The Children's Home Society of California (CHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a wide range of services and programs to disadvantaged children and families. Founded in 1890, CHS has a long history of serving the most vulnerable populations in California, with a focus on providing stability, support, and opportunities for growth and development. With headquarters in Long Beach, California, CHS operates in multiple locations throughout the state, offering a comprehensive array of services designed to address the unique needs of each child and family.
History and Mission
The Children’s Home Society of California was established over 130 years ago, with a mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children who have been orphaned, abandoned, or neglected. Over the years, CHS has evolved to address the changing needs of the communities it serves, expanding its services to include foster care, adoption, mental health counseling, and education and employment programs. Today, CHS remains committed to its core mission of helping children and families overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.
Programs and Services
CHS offers a broad range of programs and services designed to support the unique needs of children and families. These include:
- Foster care and adoption services, providing stable and loving homes for children who have been removed from their families due to neglect or abuse
- Mental health counseling, offering individual, group, and family therapy to help children and families cope with trauma and develop healthy relationships
- Education and employment programs, providing vocational training, job placement, and education support to help young people achieve their career goals and become self-sufficient
- Family preservation services, offering in-home support and counseling to help families address challenges and stay together
CHS also operates a number of specialized programs, including a crisis nursery for young children, a transitional housing program for homeless youth, and a mentorship program that pairs children with positive adult role models.
| Program | Services | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | Placement, case management, counseling | Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego |
| Adoption | Placement, counseling, support groups | Long Beach, Los Angeles, Sacramento |
| Mental Health | Individual, group, family therapy | Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Jose |
Impact and Outcomes
CHS has a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for the children and families it serves. According to the organization’s most recent annual report,:
- 95% of children in CHS’s foster care program achieved permanency, either through adoption or reunification with their families
- 90% of young people participating in CHS’s education and employment programs achieved their vocational training goals or found employment
- 85% of families receiving CHS’s family preservation services reported improved family functioning and reduced conflict
CHS's commitment to data-driven practice and continuous quality improvement ensures that its programs and services are effective and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.
Future Directions
As CHS looks to the future, the organization is focused on expanding its services to address the growing needs of California’s most vulnerable populations. This includes:
- Developing new programs and services to support the mental health and well-being of children and families affected by trauma and adversity
- Enhancing its use of technology to improve service delivery, data collection, and outcomes measurement
- Building partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to leverage resources and expertise and achieve greater impact
With its long history of service, commitment to excellence, and focus on innovation and growth, the Children's Home Society of California is poised to continue making a positive difference in the lives of disadvantaged children and families for generations to come.
What services does the Children’s Home Society of California provide?
+The Children’s Home Society of California provides a range of services, including foster care, adoption, mental health counseling, education and employment programs, and family preservation services.
How can I get involved with the Children’s Home Society of California?
+There are many ways to get involved with CHS, including volunteering, donating, and spreading the word about the organization’s mission and services. You can also consider becoming a foster parent or adopting a child through CHS.
What is the Children’s Home Society of California’s approach to serving diverse populations?
+CHS is committed to providing culturally sensitive services that reflect the diverse needs and backgrounds of the communities it serves. The organization employs a diverse staff and offers services in multiple languages, ensuring that all children and families have access to the support they need.
