How San Diego's Transformation is Reducing Children Entering Foster Care

Transforming Child Welfare: A New Era for Family Support

The Child and Family Well-Being department in San Diego County is undergoing a transformative journey aimed at significantly reducing the number of children entering foster care. This initiative has been underway for three years with a focus on integrating various child and family services to create a more supportive ecosystem for families in need.

Community-Centered Approach Making a Difference

Under the direction of Alfredo Guardado, recent efforts have emphasized a community-centered strategy, acknowledging the vital role that families and local partners play in preventing foster care placements. Over the last two years, the number of children in need of foster care has plummeted by 25%, showing that early intervention and support services can yield impactful results. From July 2023 to July 2025, the count of children under care declined from 2,633 to approximately 1,985.

Increasing Family Connections: A Positive Shift

This shift is not just statistical—efforts to keep families together have led to an 11% increase in children placed with relatives rather than in foster homes. Establishing Family Connection Hubs allows families to access essential services, demonstrating that many families just need the right resources to thrive. More than 100 families have received various support services, highlighting proactive strategies to secure better futures for children.

Support for Foster Youth Expanding

Further commitment to fostering academic success is represented by the expansion of the Fostering Academic Success in Education (FASE) program, which places social workers in schools to assist youth in navigating educational challenges. By addressing issues such as absenteeism and behavioral concerns, this program ensures that students remain engaged in their education, thereby improving their chances of successful graduation and stable home placements.

A Promising Future for Behavioral Health Needs

The county's dedication to youth welfare also includes plans for a groundbreaking Children's Crisis Residential Program, aimed at youth experiencing behavioral health challenges. This initiative promises to enhance care quality and access to mental health resources in San Diego, thereby addressing complex needs intricately linked to family dynamics and stability.

With these initiatives, San Diego County is not just reforming its approach to child welfare; it's setting the stage for a brighter future for families and their children. This transformation reflects a growing understanding that when families are supported holistically, children thrive and foster care placements become less necessary.