Below are an array of free services available and ready to support LA County families.
All children should grow up in safe, stable and secure families that support their long-term well-being. Research makes clear that growing up in a family environment is essential for all children, especially those who have experienced abuse or neglect.
In Los Angeles County, DCFS, Probation and the Department of Mental Health are jointly leading the charge to implement federal legislation called the Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First). We believe that Family First is an important opportunity to continue to strengthen our prevention-focused system. This is a chance to invest more in families to prevent entry into the child welfare system, with specific attention on mental health prevention and treatment, substance use prevention and treatment and in-home skill-based parenting skills.
We will also focus on how to better assist expectant or parenting youth currently in foster care to break the cycle of system involvement.
Signed into law in February 2018, Family First is landmark legislation that has two key components. The first emphasizes the importance of investing in children and families to prevent entry into the child welfare system. The second major component seeks to address issues related to congregate care by placing limits on facilities and establishing new requirements for youth being placed in group home settings and residential treatment programs. In addition to these provisions, Family First aims to provide support for kinship (relative) caregivers and improve services to older and transition-age youth.
Children and youth determined to be at imminent risk of entering foster care, including in Tribal settings, as well as their parents, guardians and caregivers are eligible for services covered through Family First. All expectant or parenting youth in foster care will also be eligible for Family First prevention services with no income requirements to help break the cycle of system involvement.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Toll Free within California
(800) 540-4000Outside of California
(213) 639-4500TDD - Hearing Imparied
(800) 272-6699
