Child abuse
If a situation appears to be life threatening or a crime is in process, call 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement.
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Call the County Social Services Department's Child Protective Services Child Abuse Hotline at (858) 560-2191 or
(800) 344-6000 to report situations in which you suspect that a child has been abused or appears to be at risk of being abused. Your report will be investigated and steps will be taken to protect the child and preserve the family unit. The SDPD will be informed if abuse is involved. If you know that abuse has occurred, you should call SDPD directly at (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154. If the abuse is in progress you should call 911. Officers will investigate, take steps to protect the victim and prosecute the abuser, and inform the County Social Service Department.
The following are some signs of child abuse:
Frequent or unexplained injuries
Injuries that appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt
Sexual language, knowledge, interest, or behavior beyond what is normal for the child's age
Specific comments or complaints about abuse
Lack of basic needs for food, clothing, and medical care
Poor hygiene
Sudden decline in school performance or frequent truancy
Lack of supervision for long periods of time
Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong
Always watchful and on alert as if waiting from something bad to happen
Shies away from touches, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home
And for sexual exploitation:
Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, and excessive crying
Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances
Avoids undressing or wears extra layers of clothing
Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing unusual interest in sexual matters
Sudden acting our of feelings or aggression, rebellious behavior
Regression to infantile behavior
Acts inappropriately adult, e.g., taking care of other children
Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in private areas
Fear a certain places, people, or activities, especially being alone with certain people.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE INSTRUCTIONS
For instructions about reporting Child Abuse both verbally and written, by the San Diego Unified School District
Click Here.
San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Call the County Social Services Department's Child Protective Services Child Abuse Hotline at (858) 560-2191 or
(800) 344-6000 to report situations in which you suspect that a child has been abused or appears to be at risk of being abused. Your report will be investigated and steps will be taken to protect the child and preserve the family unit. The SDPD will be informed if abuse is involved. If you know that abuse has occurred, you should call SDPD directly at (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154. If the abuse is in progress you should call 911. Officers will investigate, take steps to protect the victim and prosecute the abuser, and inform the County Social Service Department.
The following are some signs of child abuse:
Frequent or unexplained injuries
Injuries that appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt
Sexual language, knowledge, interest, or behavior beyond what is normal for the child's age
Specific comments or complaints about abuse
Lack of basic needs for food, clothing, and medical care
Poor hygiene
Sudden decline in school performance or frequent truancy
Lack of supervision for long periods of time
Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong
Always watchful and on alert as if waiting from something bad to happen
Shies away from touches, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home
And for sexual exploitation:
Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, and excessive crying
Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances
Avoids undressing or wears extra layers of clothing
Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing unusual interest in sexual matters
Sudden acting our of feelings or aggression, rebellious behavior
Regression to infantile behavior
Acts inappropriately adult, e.g., taking care of other children
Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in private areas
Fear a certain places, people, or activities, especially being alone with certain people.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE INSTRUCTIONS
For instructions about reporting Child Abuse both verbally and written, by the San Diego Unified School District
Click Here.
Child and Family Well-Being (Formerly Child Welfare Services )
For more information, call the KidsLine at 877-792-KIDS (5437).
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) is committed to excellence in the delivery of culturally competent, family-centered and child-focused protective services. CFWB investigates reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and intervenes with families who do not meet the minimum community standards of health and safety as required by law. Investigations are conducted in a thorough and professional manner. Family interventions are completed in the least intrusive manner necessary for the protection of the child. In addition to these services, CFWB administers the following: Polinsky Children’s Center, a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children; San Pasqual Academy, a first-in-the-nation residential education campus for adolescent foster youth; foster care eligibility and licensing; group home placement services for foster youth with emotional and behavioral issues; services to emancipating foster youth; adoptive home assessments and placements; and critical support services to regional operations.
Services offered by Child and Family Well-Being:
Adoptions County of San Diego Adoptions serves all members of the adoption triad: adoptees, birth families, and adoptive parents. Both voluntary relinquishments, and adoptions of children from the foster care system, are handled by the agency. Free, no-obligation orientations are available for those interested in learning more about available services, including, ongoing, professional education and training classes about adoption issues.
Career/Volunteer Opportunities
Are you inspired to see children and families thrive and want to work with culturally mindful, dedicated professionals? This may be the place for you! CFWB is committed to strengthening families by providing trauma-informed prevention and protection services to vulnerable children, their families, and communities across the county to reduce child abuse and neglect.
Child Abuse Hotline
Are you worried that a child is being abused or neglected? Call 858-560-2191 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Within the state of California, call toll free 1(800) 344-6000
Child and Family Strengthening Advisory BoardThe Board of Supervisors has taken a strong leadership role in supporting efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. The efforts focus on strengthening families by identifying and addressing the needs of children and youth who are in the public charge as well as those whose safety and welfare may be at risk
Child Welfare Improvements and the COAS
The County of San Diego Child Welfare Improvements was developed to respond to the California Outcomes and Accountability System (COAS). This was formerly known as the California-Child and Family Service Review (C-CFSR).
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Policy Manual
Policies for Child Welfare practice.
Child Welfare Records Request
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Resources for Families
Resources available for Families
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Human Trafficking)
Human trafficking is the second largest underground economy in San Diego, at an estimated $810 million annually. When minors under age 18 are trafficked, this is child abuse. We usually identify girls as victims of trafficking, but boys and youth of all genders are regularly targeted. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 344-6000. Caring, trained people are available 24 hours a day.
Data Available data reports include the Annual Statistics Report and the CFWB Dashboard.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Foster and Adoptive Resource Family Services At any given time, there are about 2,100 children in out of home care and about 30 children awaiting permanent adoptive placement in the County of San Diego.
Foster Parent Request for MyChart Proxy Access
Foster Youth Help
Foster Youth Rights Handbook
Foster Youth Rights Handbook (Spanish)
Foster Youth Bill of Rights Coloring Book
Foster Youth Bill of Rights Coloring Book (Spanish)
Foster Youth Poster
Foster Youth Poster (Spanish)
Foster Care Services Committee To meet monthly with representatives from community-based organizations and County programs that directly impact foster families.
Family Urgent Response System (FURS) FURS includes a 24/7 Statewide Hotline and a 24/7 County-based Mobile Response and Stabilization Team. FURS will provide current and former foster youth (up to age 21) and their caregivers with immediate, trauma-informed support by caring and trained professionals when they need it.
Independent Living Skills Independent Living Skills is a program designed to assist 16 to 18 year olds who are in out-of-home placement and are likely to remain there until they can live on their own.
Ombudsman The County of San Diego Child and Family Well-Being takes your concerns seriously and handles them with the utmost diligence. Depending on the nature of your concern, we have three options to handle the issue most effectively:
Polinsky Children's Center The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center is a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care.
Polinsky Children's Center (PCC) Advisory Board The PCC Advisory Board shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be residents of the County of San Diego.
Relative Notification Child and Family Well-Being is committed to the importance of relatives and the role they play in a family’s life. Relatives provide important family and lifelong connections for children involved with Child and Family Well-Being. Relatives can provide critical support when the mother and father cannot.
Respite Services The County of San Diego Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) values our collaborative partnership with Resource Families and recognizes both the importance of providing supportive services and the unique needs of Resource Families. We understand that the role of the caregiver can be challenging and that supportive services are vital to success.
Safe4Baby Safe4Baby focuses on educating parents and caregivers about four primary areas: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Safe Sleeping, Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Safely Surrendered Baby Law.
San Pasqual Academy San Pasqual Academy, a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster youth, serves as a placement option for dependents of the Juvenile Court, 12-17 years old, and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) up to age 19 years old.
Virtual Court Attendance Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB): Safety Enhanced Together (Strengthening Children and Families) (Video)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court (Printable Guide)
GUÍA PARA LOS PADRES SOBRE LOS SERVICIOS DE BIENESTAR PARA MENORES (guía imprimible)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court (Video)
Una Guia del Sistema Bienestar al Menor Para Padres de Familia (vídeo)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court - ICWA Version (Video)
ConnectWellSD Information Sharing Notice
Child Abuse Hotline
Child Assessment Network-North (CANN)
Child Welfare Improvements and the COA
Independent Living Skills
Ombudsman
Polinsky Children's Center
Relative Notification
San Pasqual Academy
For more information, call the KidsLine at 877-792-KIDS (5437).
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) is committed to excellence in the delivery of culturally competent, family-centered and child-focused protective services. CFWB investigates reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and intervenes with families who do not meet the minimum community standards of health and safety as required by law. Investigations are conducted in a thorough and professional manner. Family interventions are completed in the least intrusive manner necessary for the protection of the child. In addition to these services, CFWB administers the following: Polinsky Children’s Center, a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children; San Pasqual Academy, a first-in-the-nation residential education campus for adolescent foster youth; foster care eligibility and licensing; group home placement services for foster youth with emotional and behavioral issues; services to emancipating foster youth; adoptive home assessments and placements; and critical support services to regional operations.
Services offered by Child and Family Well-Being:
Adoptions County of San Diego Adoptions serves all members of the adoption triad: adoptees, birth families, and adoptive parents. Both voluntary relinquishments, and adoptions of children from the foster care system, are handled by the agency. Free, no-obligation orientations are available for those interested in learning more about available services, including, ongoing, professional education and training classes about adoption issues.
Career/Volunteer Opportunities
Are you inspired to see children and families thrive and want to work with culturally mindful, dedicated professionals? This may be the place for you! CFWB is committed to strengthening families by providing trauma-informed prevention and protection services to vulnerable children, their families, and communities across the county to reduce child abuse and neglect.
Child Abuse Hotline
Are you worried that a child is being abused or neglected? Call 858-560-2191 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Within the state of California, call toll free 1(800) 344-6000
Child and Family Strengthening Advisory BoardThe Board of Supervisors has taken a strong leadership role in supporting efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. The efforts focus on strengthening families by identifying and addressing the needs of children and youth who are in the public charge as well as those whose safety and welfare may be at risk
Child Welfare Improvements and the COAS
The County of San Diego Child Welfare Improvements was developed to respond to the California Outcomes and Accountability System (COAS). This was formerly known as the California-Child and Family Service Review (C-CFSR).
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Policy Manual
Policies for Child Welfare practice.
Child Welfare Records Request
Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) Resources for Families
Resources available for Families
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (Human Trafficking)
Human trafficking is the second largest underground economy in San Diego, at an estimated $810 million annually. When minors under age 18 are trafficked, this is child abuse. We usually identify girls as victims of trafficking, but boys and youth of all genders are regularly targeted. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 344-6000. Caring, trained people are available 24 hours a day.
Data Available data reports include the Annual Statistics Report and the CFWB Dashboard.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Foster and Adoptive Resource Family Services At any given time, there are about 2,100 children in out of home care and about 30 children awaiting permanent adoptive placement in the County of San Diego.
Foster Parent Request for MyChart Proxy Access
Foster Youth Help
Foster Youth Rights Handbook
Foster Youth Rights Handbook (Spanish)
Foster Youth Bill of Rights Coloring Book
Foster Youth Bill of Rights Coloring Book (Spanish)
Foster Youth Poster
Foster Youth Poster (Spanish)
Foster Care Services Committee To meet monthly with representatives from community-based organizations and County programs that directly impact foster families.
Family Urgent Response System (FURS) FURS includes a 24/7 Statewide Hotline and a 24/7 County-based Mobile Response and Stabilization Team. FURS will provide current and former foster youth (up to age 21) and their caregivers with immediate, trauma-informed support by caring and trained professionals when they need it.
Independent Living Skills Independent Living Skills is a program designed to assist 16 to 18 year olds who are in out-of-home placement and are likely to remain there until they can live on their own.
Ombudsman The County of San Diego Child and Family Well-Being takes your concerns seriously and handles them with the utmost diligence. Depending on the nature of your concern, we have three options to handle the issue most effectively:
- CFWB Office of the Ombudsman
- Resource Parent Ombudsman
- HHSA Business Assurance and Compliance
Polinsky Children's Center The A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children's Center is a 24-hour facility for the temporary emergency shelter of children who must be separated from their families for their own safety, or when parents can not provide care.
Polinsky Children's Center (PCC) Advisory Board The PCC Advisory Board shall consist of five members, all of whom shall be residents of the County of San Diego.
Relative Notification Child and Family Well-Being is committed to the importance of relatives and the role they play in a family’s life. Relatives provide important family and lifelong connections for children involved with Child and Family Well-Being. Relatives can provide critical support when the mother and father cannot.
Respite Services The County of San Diego Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB) values our collaborative partnership with Resource Families and recognizes both the importance of providing supportive services and the unique needs of Resource Families. We understand that the role of the caregiver can be challenging and that supportive services are vital to success.
Safe4Baby Safe4Baby focuses on educating parents and caregivers about four primary areas: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Safe Sleeping, Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Safely Surrendered Baby Law.
San Pasqual Academy San Pasqual Academy, a first-in-the-nation residential education campus designed specifically for foster youth, serves as a placement option for dependents of the Juvenile Court, 12-17 years old, and Non-Minor Dependents (NMDs) up to age 19 years old.
Virtual Court Attendance Child and Family Well-Being (CFWB): Safety Enhanced Together (Strengthening Children and Families) (Video)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court (Printable Guide)
GUÍA PARA LOS PADRES SOBRE LOS SERVICIOS DE BIENESTAR PARA MENORES (guía imprimible)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court (Video)
Una Guia del Sistema Bienestar al Menor Para Padres de Familia (vídeo)
Parent's Guide to CFWB and Juvenile Court - ICWA Version (Video)
ConnectWellSD Information Sharing Notice
Child Abuse Hotline
Child Assessment Network-North (CANN)
Child Welfare Improvements and the COA
Independent Living Skills
Ombudsman
Polinsky Children's Center
Relative Notification
San Pasqual Academy
