Supportive services
In-Home Supportive Services
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program allows you to live safely in your own home. Services are provided in your home, hotel, or the home of a relative. IHSS is an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.
Adoption
Adoption is the process that transfers the legal rights, responsibilities and rewards of being a parent. The rights and responsibilities of birth parents are permanently terminated and assumed by other people who become the child’s legal parent(s).
Become a resource family
The Resource Family Approval Program (RFA) is the state program which oversees resource families who are approved to provide care and supervision for children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Transitioned Age Youth (TAY) services
Transitioned Age Youth (TAY) services and programs connect youth ages 16 to 24 to opportunities, experiences, and supports to propel them to self-sufficiency.
Community-based prevention
The DFCS Prevention Bureau partners, teaches, and provides support through community-focused programs. The Prevention Bureau acts to prevent entry into foster care and reduce disproportionality in the Child Welfare System.
Veteran services
The Office of Veterans Services (VSO) assists Veterans, Military Personnel, and their families with obtaining federal, state, and local benefits earned through active-duty military service and offer other supportive services.
Office of the Ombuds
The Office of the Ombuds is a neutral, informal, and confidential resource for people experiencing challenges or concerns with the county of Santa Clara Social Services Agency (SSA). Each SSA service has a dedicated Ombuds to support you when you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to handle a situation or issue with SSA.
Juvenile Welfare Office of the Ombuds (JWOO)
JWOO is a confidential, neutral, independent, and informal resource for anyone involved with the Santa Clara County Department of Family & Children’s Services, juvenile dependency, and child welfare system. JWOO provides support and fosters communication between families and DFCS staff, ensuring that all voices are heard.