Family and Children’s Services Division

Child Welfare Services (CWS):  The Child Welfare Services program provides risk assessment, in-person response, investigation, preventative services and placement services.  A social worker is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide appropriate response to all reports of child abuse or neglect.  Services and case planning are provided to work towards reunification of the family, maintaining at-risk children safely at home or permanency planning for children whom the court determines cannot safely remain with their families of origin.  CWS programs include:

• Emergency Response (ER)
• Family Reunification Services
• Family Maintenance Services
• Permanent Placement Services
• Independent Living Skills (ILP)

Family and Schools Together (FAST) Track:  The FAST program is a collaborative effort between local schools and Child Welfare Services to provide intervention to families at risk and offer supportive services on a voluntary basis.  Supportive services are also offered to dependent children in foster care who may be experiencing school difficulties.

Licensing (Foster Parent and Child Care):  Licensing provides screening, assessment and licensing of family day care homes and foster family homes in Mendocino County.  This program also provides training to foster parents and investigates complaints regarding foster homes or day care homes.  Payment for care and supervision provided by a licensed foster parent, relative or foster agency are also provided by this program.

Emergency Shelter Services:  The shelter provides emergency placement and services to children who cannot remain safely at home.  Child evaluation and needs assessment are also provided by this program to assist in continuing service planning for a child at risk of abuse or neglect.

Family Preservation and Support Services:  This program provides services to parents and children for the purposes of strengthening families and supporting parents in their efforts to resolve child abuse and neglect issues.  The goal of this service is to eliminate the risk of abuse and neglect to children through provision of supportive services that strengthen families who are involved with Child Protective Services and promote the likelihood of family reunification.