The Alameda County Social Services Agency is comprised of 2,400 men and women working collectively and in partnership with community-based organizations to serve the needs of the community.

The Agency assists approximately 11.3 percent of Alameda County's residents. more

In Alameda County from October 2006, to September 2007, there were 11,679 referrals of reported child maltreatment. Unfortunately, no child or community is immune to the tragic effects of child maltreatment. Child abuse is rooted in American history. Its earliest documentation can be traced back to New York City, in 1874, with a little girl named Mary Ellen Wilson. Mary Ellen's case led to the establishment of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In the 1960s, the U.S. government passed legislation requiring child abuse reporting in all states. In 1974, The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act was signed into law and established the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. Each of us can join in honoring all children and in promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Together we can make this world a safer place for our children.

To find out how you can become involved with efforts to prevent child abuse contact: Janette Bormann, Coordinator, Alameda County Child Abuse Prevention Council @ 780- 8989 or WWW.ACCAPC.COM To report child abuse call: 510-259-1800. Find out more.

Alameda County's Social Services Safety Net Unraveling

The budget released recently by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger suggests cuts in human services spending that could directly impact approximately 250,000 Alameda County residents. Alameda County's community of social and human service providers appreciates the severity of the State's budget crisis, and acknowledges the difficult work ahead for the Governor and State Legislators.

Read the complete Press Release for more information

In Alameda County there are close to 3,000 children and youth in foster care, in need of the support and security of a family. The Department of Children and Family Services has partnered with faith and community based organizations throughout Alameda County to license an additional 400 county foster homes and provide permanent adoptive homes for children and youth in foster care.

A Pathway to Home Celebration

The Alameda County Faith Initiative and Alameda County Advisory Council (a multi-denominational coalition) celebrate the second-year anniversary of its accomplishments and reaffirms its commitment to providing opportunities to children and youth in foster care throughout Alameda County.

See the Pathway to Home Events Calendar for further details.

Join the Alameda County Faith Initiative to support "A Pathway to Home". For more information on how you can adopt a child or become a foster parent, visit www.pathwaytohome.org