Our story
The County of Santa Clara's Social Service Agency (SSA) provides basic safety net services to at-risk children, families and adults.
SSA provides a wide range of services to the diverse communities in the County of Santa Clara through five major branches: Agency Office, Department of Aging and Adult Services, Department of Employment and Benefit Services, the Department of Family and Children's Services and the Office of Veterans Services.
These services include child welfare, keeping children safe and reuniting families. We offer care for dependent and older adults to keep them safe and help with daily living issues. Our other services include job training, youth outreach, food programs, financial assistance, and services for veterans and their families.
Contact The County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency
Our vision
Serve, empower, transform.
Mission
To provide resources and opportunities in a culturally responsive manner to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting, educating, and empowering individuals and families.
Guiding principles
Responsive
We ask and strive to meet the need.
Compassionate
We are empathetic and respectful.
Innovative
We are a learning organization.
Our leaders
Daniel Little
Daniel is an accomplished Child Welfare professional with both state and non-profit experience.
Sarah Duffy
Sarah Duffy joined the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency in June 2024.
Dr. Sandhya Rao Hermon
Sandhya has over two decades of research and evaluation experience in the fields of substance abuse treatment, learning and development, social work education, and workforce development.
Daniel Crick
Daniel brings more than 20 years of experience in government budgeting, fiscal management, welfare reimbursement expense claiming.
Vanessa Merlano Sittauer, MS, RDN
Vanessa brings over 15 years of experience in the public sector, working across various departments in Santa Clara County, including the Public Health Department, Social Services Agency, and most recently, Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.
Eilona Betkolia-Gevargiz
Eilona Betkolia-Gevargiz has over ten years of experience in social services.
Wendy Kinnear-Rausch
Wendy Kinnear-Rausch brings over 25 years of experience in social services.
Darlyn Escalante
Darlyn Escalante joined Santa Clara County in 2019, became the VSO's program manager in 2023 and Director in 2024.
Steve Fondacaro
Steve has 30 years of active military duty as a Combat Arms/ Special Operations Army officer and an additional 10 years as an Army Program Manager and Strategic Defense consultant.
Our organization
Social Services Agency Office (AO)
We provide overall leadership and direction for the entire Agency, including administrative support to all SSA departments with the goal of increasing public understanding of programs and delivering responsive and efficient services.
The Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
We promote an Age-friendly community for everyone, including older adults, dependent adults, and people with disabilities. We do this through protective services, quality nutrition, and supportive in-home services.
The Department of Employment and Benefit Services (DEBS)
We provide services to low-income individuals and families that promote health, nutrition, safety, and well-being through health coverage, food, financial, and employment services.
The Department of Family and Children's Services (DFCS)
We protect children from abuse and neglect, promote their healthy development, and provide services to families to preserve and strengthen their ability to care for their children.
The Veterans Services Office (VSO)
We assist veterans, military personnel, and their families with obtaining federal, state, and local benefits earned through active-duty military service and offer other supportive services.
The Office of Children and Families Policy (OCFP)
We aim to amplify the most critical needs of children and families in Santa Clara County and to provide data and evidence-based recommendations for sound policies, programs, and systems coordination. Our work is grounded in equity and the goal of ensuring the well-being of children and their families so that every child can be successful.