The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services promotes child safety and well-being by partnering with communities to strengthen families, keeping children at home whenever possible, and connecting them with stable, loving homes in times of need.
The safety of over two million children in Los Angeles County is our highest priority. DCFS responds to the immediate needs of any child at risk of abuse and neglect in Los Angeles County.
DCFS partners with more than 50 community-based organizations across Los Angeles County to provide the tools and support families need to make home a safe place and keep families together.
Every child deserves to grow up in a loving and stable family environment. For children who cannot return home, DCFS makes every effort to connect them with resource families, so they can continue to grow and thrive.
As a parent, receiving a call or visit from DCFS can be concerning. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, in crisis, or just need support to parent your children, DCFS is there to help ensure that your children are safe.
Looking back, Alma is thankful for the night 15 years ago when DCFS stepped into her life the night she went into labor at a local Los Angeles hospital.
“DCFS doesn’t get involved because they want to ruin your life. They want to see happy, healthy and safe children and families.”
Testing positive for meth and alcohol, DCFS wanted to ensure the well-being of Alma’s children and the well-being of Alma, which resulted in the removal of all six of her children.
“Their involvement forced me to make a U-turn in my life. I loved my kids too much to not make the changes. DCFS put forward the resources, and I had to make sure that I put in the work.”
After a serious commitment and change of lifestyle, Alma was able to be reunited with all six of her children one by one, starting with her baby. She takes everything she learned from her parenting classes to recommended reading and applies it to help in her daily life.
“I look at how far I’ve come, and I’m proud of myself and of my kids. I’m a healthy mom and grandma now. I don’t respond in anger and violence. I’m not addicted to drugs anymore. That’s huge, and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to get this far.”
Alma became a Parent in Partnership (PIP), and has been helping other families who are currently under DCFS care. As a PIP for the past five years, Alma has seen all the families that have gone through similar struggles be reunited with their children.
“I remember the help of my social worker, and how she pushed me to keep going when I wanted to give up. Now, I get to be transparent with the hardships in being reunited with your kids with the parents I get to mentor. It’s hard work, but it’s beautiful when you reach the finish line.”
*In order to protect the anonymity and privacy of our families, names have been changed and photos are randomized.
Being in foster care can be difficult. Whether you need assistance with school, employment, living independently or you are looking for more resources, we can point you toward the information you need. You deserve to be heard, and we are here to listen.
3“The first time I ever made fried chicken, the outside was so delicious. The inside was raw. It was my first time ever cooking and using those ‘independent skills’. Being the oldest, it was always about taking care of my siblings – this was about me. It was learning: these are the things I like, these are the things I don’t like. We’re given 2-3 gift cards to Walmart or Target to get set up our rooms in transitional housing. You don’t have things like blanket covers and towels so you meet with your social worker, go over the rules and then they take you shopping. You look to them to guidance. I got to pick my own room stuff – I got the cover I wanted.”
With 5 younger siblings to look out for, Isabella relied on her social workers to look out for her.
“My social workers were always great. Knowing I’m the oldest, telling me to take care of myself first. Always being mindful, maybe you want to bring your sisters to this or that; let them be involved in my life wherever possible. The day we got taken away, our social worker did a great job of keeping us together.”
It was her social workers that introduced Isabella to the wealth of services available to her, including the Business Development Internship that set her up with a paid internship, and ultimately, a job she’s enjoyed for 4 years now helping those in the same position she was.
“The internship is a great internship for youth – I just want it to get spread out more so more youth to be aware of it. it’s a great opportunity, I never thought I could work for the County. For social workers, understanding youth and taking time to understand and mentor them, you never know what may be going on at home. Believing in kids is what’s going to help them move forward and believe in themselves.”
*In order to protect the anonymity and privacy of our families, names have been changed and photos are randomized.
Opening up your home to a child—whether temporarily or permanently—can be both rewarding and daunting. Whether you are the relative of a child in need, a prospective foster parent, or hoping to adopt, DCFS is here to guide you through the process.