Children and Family Services
The mission of Orange County Children and Family Services is to strengthen and stabilize families and to create an environment where children are free from abuse in permanent, nurturing homes.
Children and Family Services at a Glance
- The Child Abuse Registry receives approximately 39,000 reports of suspected child abuse annually. Allegations may include physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse; caregiver incapacity; neglect; abandonment; and exploitation of children.
- Click here to view Orange County Child Abuse Statistics.
- Orangewood Children and Family Center and Emergency Shelter foster homes provide temporary shelter and care for over 1,100 children at risk of maltreatment per year.
- Social Workers make every effort to maintain children in their own homes; but out-of-home placement is sought for children who cannot remain safely with their parents.
- Reunification services are offered in the majority of cases. When reunification is not possible, a permanent plan is developed for the child.
- Adoption staff carefully evaluate and match families with children who need permanent homes when termination of parental rights occurs or at the time it is determined that reunification with the child's birth family is unlikely.
- On April 1, 2009, there were 2,833 children in out-of-home care receiving family reunification or permanent placement services in Orange County. Of those children:
- 48% resided in homes with relatives or guardians.
- 30% resided in county-licensed foster homes or Foster Family Agency homes.
- 14% resided in other court-ordered settings.
- 8% resided in Group Homes.
For more information, please call:
Can You Help?
- Foster and adoptive families are urgently needed to provide a safe and nurturing home for a variety of children from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and children who may have language and/or special medical needs. Families able to care for sibling sets are in great demand.
- Foster and adoptive parents can be single or married Orange County residents who own or rent a home or apartment and are self-supporting.
- The Orange County Foster and Adoptive Family Development Team along with veteran foster parents provide Orientation, Pre-Service Training and Post-Licensing Training in English and Spanish.
- Staff from the Adoption units, along with contracted service trainers, provides training and support for adoptive families.
- Ongoing training opportunities are also available for foster parents, adoptive parents and relative caregivers.
Call today for more information 1-888-871-KIDS (1-888-871-5437) or learn more at OC4Kids.com.
