Goal is to create a safe home environment to prevent children’s removal

San Diego Youth Services’ Safe Family Services offers supportive, trauma-informed services to parents and children who have experienced trauma and abuse that has resulted in Child Welfare Services involvement. Services will include comprehensive evidence–based psychotherapy and case management

“We are effectively intervening before concerns over child abuse and neglect escalate to substantiated cases that require removal from the home,” said Nichole Jones, program manager, Safe Family Services. “It is crucial to intervene and offer support as soon as concerns are raised to prevent childhood victimization, increasing the likelihood of future victimization.”

The program is open to parents and youth who are already engaged in an SDYS program, and have previously or are currently experiencing Child Welfare Services involvement.

“One of our agency pillars is breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, which otherwise have lifelong detrimental consequences,” said Jones. “All children deserve a healthy home environment.”

As part of the grant, SDYS will offer clinical case management including support through the CWS process, education on the criminal justice system, and assistance with application for California Victim Compensation Board Claims.

SDYS will also provide evidence-based comprehensive individual, family, group, and crisis-intervention therapy services that are specific to the needs of SDYS parents and youth who have experienced trauma and CWS involvement.

“Our therapy services are focused on addressing parent and child attachment relationship, child behavior problems and parenting skills,” said Jones.

SDYS will also offer training for staff on the CWS process and referral, as well as provide linkage to information and referral and community resources for SDYS parents and youth.