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Accessibility by WAH
 * About
   * Who We Are
   * What We Do
   * Who We Work With
   * Career Opportunities
   * Contract Opportunities
   * Volunteer Opportunities
 * Resources
   * Help for LA County Families/Family First
   * Informational Materials and Handouts
   * All Families Need Help Digital Toolkit
   * Fact Sheets and Reports
   * Reports
   * Family First Dashboard
   * DCFS Policy Manual
   * Compliance Reports
   * Glossary
   * Foster Care Search System
   * Child Fatality Data
 * News
   * News Releases
   * Newsletter
   * In the News
   * Events
 * Contact
   * Report Child Abuse
   * Regional Offices
   * Media Inquiries
   * FAQs
 * العربية Հայերեն 简体中文 繁體中文 English Filipino 日本語 ភាសាខ្មែរ 한국어 Русский Español
   Tiếng Việt
   English

 * Parents
   * Parent Resources
   * DCFS Investigations
   * Parental Rights
   * Child Placement
   * Court Proceedings
   * Path to Reunification
 * Youth
   * When To Call DCFS
   * Benefits Eligibility Finder
   * Education
   * DCFS Investigations
   * Jobs & Internships
   * Know Your Rights
   * Healthy Relationships
   * Foster Care Placements
   * Teen Parenting
   * Personal Documents
   * LGBTQ+ Youth
   * Health & Mental Health
   * Immigration
   * Juvenile Justice
   * Teens 16 and Older
 * Caregivers
   * Become a Foster Parent
   * Who to Call for Assistance
   * Adopt a Foster Child
   * Rights & Responsibilities
   * Relative Caregiver Resources
   * Foster Parent Resources
   * Financial Assistance
   * Meet LA Foster Youth

Search for:


☰

Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

Child Protection Hotline

(800) 540-4000

Search for:

 * About
   * Who We Are
   * What We Do
   * Who We Work With
   * Career Opportunities
   * Contract Opportunities
   * Volunteer Opportunities
 * Resources
   * Help for LA County Families/Family First
   * Informational Materials and Handouts
   * All Families Need Help Digital Toolkit
   * Fact Sheets and Reports
   * Reports
   * Family First Dashboard
   * DCFS Policy Manual
   * Compliance Reports
   * Glossary
   * Foster Care Search System
   * Child Fatality Data
 * News
   * News Releases
   * Newsletter
   * In the News
   * Events
 * Contact
   * Report Child Abuse
   * Regional Offices
   * Media Inquiries
   * FAQs
 * العربية Հայերեն 简体中文 繁體中文 English Filipino 日本語 ភាសាខ្មែរ 한국어 Русский Español
   Tiếng Việt
   English

How Can We Help You?
 * General
   * back
   * What is child abuse?
   * What is the difference between discipline and abuse?
   * What are the signs of abuse and neglect?
   * What are the effects of child abuse and neglect?
   * Why do adults abuse children?
   * Why should I report child abuse or neglect?
   * How do I file a complaint or grievance?
 * Parents
   * back
   * What happens when a report is made to the DCFS Child Protection Hotline?
   * Will my child have to leave my home?
   * Am I in trouble with the law?
   * How do I get a copy of my court records?
   * How can I prevent being separated from my child?
   * Where will my child live if they are removed from my home?
   * Can I visit my child while they are away from home?
   * How long before I can be reunited with my child?
   * I’m having trouble at home. How can I get help?
   * Can I connect with other parents who have been through this?
   * I can't reach my social worker. What do I do?
 * Youth
   * back
   * My parents are hurting me. What should I do?
   * I can’t stay with my family. Where am I going to live?
   * How do I get information about my case?
   * Why was I taken from my home?
   * When can I see my parents?
   * I am having trouble accessing food. What should I do?
   * What are my rights as a youth in foster care?
   * I need to go to the doctor. What should I do?
   * I am pregnant. What should I do?
   * Can I live on my own as a foster youth?
   * How can I get a job?
   * How do I get copies of my birth certificate and other personal documents?
   * How can I get a cell phone or computer?
   * My case has ended. Can I still get help?
   * Who do I talk to if I have a problem?
 * Caregivers
   * back
   * What is the role of a foster parent?
   * How do I become a foster parent?
   * What is the RFA Process?
   * How do I convert to RFA if I am already a foster parent?
   * What are my responsibilities as a foster parent?
   * Can I afford to take care of a child?
   * I'm not sure if I'm ready to foster a child. What can I do to try it first?
   * What happens if the child in my care gets sick?
   * I have a full-time job. Can I still take care of a foster child?
   * How do I get information about the child’s case?
   * A child in my family is in foster care. Can I become their caregiver?
   * I am a grandparent. Can I take care of my grandchild?
   * Can I adopt a child in my care?

 * Parents
   * Parent Resources
   * DCFS Investigations
   * Parental Rights
   * Child Placement
   * Court Proceedings
   * Path to Reunification
 * Youth
   * When To Call DCFS
   * Benefits Eligibility Finder
   * Education
   * DCFS Investigations
   * Jobs & Internships
   * Know Your Rights
   * Healthy Relationships
   * Foster Care Placements
   * Teen Parenting
   * Personal Documents
   * LGBTQ+ Youth
   * Health & Mental Health
   * Immigration
   * Juvenile Justice
   * Teens 16 and Older
 * Caregivers
   * Become a Foster Parent
   * Who to Call for Assistance
   * Adopt a Foster Child
   * Rights & Responsibilities
   * Relative Caregiver Resources
   * Foster Parent Resources
   * Financial Assistance
   * Meet LA Foster Youth


WELCOME TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

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.


SAFETY

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.




WELL-BEING

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.




PERMANENCY

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.




PARENTS

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.

 * Investigations
 * Child Placement
 * Parental Rights

 * Parent Resources
 * Court Proceedings
 * Path to Reunification

Meet Alma
MEET


ALMA

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.

Close


YOUTH

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.

 

 * Should I call DCFS?
 * Know Your Rights
 * Investigations

 * Teens 16 and Older
 * LGBTQ+ Youth
 * More…

Meet Isabella
MEET


ISABELLA

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.

Close


CAREGIVERS

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.

 * Rights and Responsibilities
 * Relative Caregivers
 * Foster Parent Resources

 * Become a Foster Parent
 * RFA Conversion
 * Adoption
 * More…

Meet Sam
MEET


SAM

Growing up, Sam always felt out of place. Though he didn’t know it at the time,
being gay in a small town with a family who couldn’t understand would mean a
life of hardship, of feeling different, and of rooting for the underdog. It’s
for this reason Sam was compelled to a life of fostering.

“I felt I was different in some way, not realizing it was because I was gay […]
 so I want children born with the cards stacked against them, whether it’s not
having prenatal care, drugs, not taking care of themselves – no child deserves
that, no matter their race, religion, or anything else.”

When Sam started fostering, he understood the long road he would face as an
LGBTQ, single man, looking to adopt. After having two newborns placed with him,
and subsequently, having those newborns leave to be reunited with their
families, Sam felt the sting of loss, while knowing that this was a very real
possibility when fostering newborn babies.

“My determination and dream was to have a family. After [the second child was
removed], it came to a point when I was asking, ‘why am I doing this to
myself?’. But I believe that in all the heartbreak I’ve experienced, the amount
of work I did for these babies surpassed all that heartache. I would much rather
experience the heartbreak, than not have had them with me.”

Finally, Sam got the call – a tiny safe surrender baby looking for a home. Weeks
later, Sam is finally on the road to adoption thanks to the perfect storm of
support from his agency, his social worker at DCFS, and the circumstances
surrounding a safe surrender baby. Through all the heartache, Sam is one step
closer to the family he’s always wanted, all the while knowing how many families
he’s helped along the way.

*In order to protect the anonymity and privacy of our families, names have been
changed and photos are randomized.

Close


OUR PARTNERS

DCFS is proud to partner closely with other county departments as well as with
advocacy groups, faith-based community groups, immigrant rights advocates, and
many others who share the goal of protecting children.

 * LA County Departments
 * Community-Based Organizations
 * Foster Family Agencies


UPCOMING EVENTS & CLASSES


See All Events »


CHILD PROTECTION HOTLINE

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Toll Free within California

(800) 540-4000

Outside of California

(213) 639-4500

TDD - Hearing Imparied

(800) 272-6699
www.211la.org 2-1-1

FAMILIES

ParentsYouthCaregivers

ABOUT

Who We AreWhat We DoWho We Work WithCareer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities

RESOURCES

Informational Materials and HandoutsData and Monthly Fact SheetsReportsDCFS
Policy ManualCompliance ReportsGlossaryFoster Care Search SystemFAQs

NEWS

DCFS UpdatesIn the NewsNewsletterEvents

CONTACT

Important Phone NumbersReport Child AbuseRegional OfficesMedia Inquiries

FOLLOW US



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