Children Services
Protecting Children and Preserving Families
Child Welfare Services (CWS), Santa Barbara County, offers the following services:
- Assesses and investigates allegations of child abuse or neglect
- Offers voluntary or court-ordered services to families to ensure child safety in the home and to strengthen the family
- Arranges placements and services for children for whom a safe return home is not possible
Licensed Foster Parents provide a crucial service by taking care of children until they can be returned to their parents or be placed in adoptions. For further information regarding our licensed Foster Parent Program, or on becoming a foster parent, please call 1-866-899-2649. For more information, visit the Foster Care web page.
Our Adoptions Unit works to find loving, permanent homes for children in the Foster Care System. If you are interested in becoming an adoptive parent or to learn more about adoptions through the Child Welfare System, please call 1-866-899-2649. For more information, visit the Adoptions web page.
KIDS Network of Santa Barbara County
Created by the Board of Supervisors in 1991 as an advisory body on children and family issues, the KIDS Network is a county-wide membership organization including members from public agencies, education, community-based organizations, school-linked programs and parent groups. The KIDS Network provides data on children's well-being and supports key initiatives benefiting children and families. The KIDS Network is administered by the Department of Social Services. To review the most recent data and information on children's physical, emotional, educational and social well-being over time, see the 2010 Santa Barbara County Children's Scorecard.
Santa Barbara County Child Abuse Prevention Council
The Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) is a community council with the primary purpose of coordinating Santa Barbara County’s efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. The CAPC works to raise community awareness about child abuse and neglect; provides resources and education to organizations and community groups; and educates service providers working with families about the Mandated Reporting Law, Risk and Protective Factors for families and how to prevent child abuse. The Santa Barbara County’s CAPC is open to anyone who is interested in preventing child abuse and neglect in our County.
CWS Assessment and Improvement Plans