COVID-19 Updates
Our office is working closely with state, county, and community partners to monitor the development of COVID-19. We are still fully operational, and our hours are now Monday - Sunday from 8am - 5pm to provide additional support.Foster Youth
Free Cell Phone Program
If you are a current or former foster youth aged 13-26 and in care on your 13th birthday, you are eligible for a free cell phone from iFoster!
Current and former foster youth ages 13 to 26 who are attending school can get smartphones/hotspots with unlimited data and tablets, chromebooks, and laptops through an online survey. Stay on top of your classes no matter what!
Online Survey
https://www.tfaforms.com/4811639
A representative from iFoster will be in touch with you once you fill out the survey. Or you can also reach out to ask about their available electronics via phone call or email.
Contact iFoster
Phone: 1-855-936-7837
Email: support@ifoster.org
California Youth Crisis Line
800-843-5200 is a 24/7 call, text, and chat line
Stress Playbooks
During this time of change and uncertainty, many families are dealing with more stress than normal. It’s so important to help families find ways to cope to not only improve their emotional health but physical health too.
These Stress Playbooks provide some best practices on minimizing stress.
ACEs Aware Stress Management
ACEs Aware has created stress management resources for providers, patients, families and children. They include strategies for mental health and psychosocial support, maintaining workforce resilience, and resources providers can share with patients. Visit the ACEs Aware website to learn more.
Anxiety Management from the MIND Institute
The MIND Institute has articles in both Spanish and English for parents. Topics include ways to support your young children and teenagers during this time, managing your child’s anxiety as well as your own anxiety and how mindfulness can help. Visit the Mind Institute website to learn more.
Art Therapy from A Window Between Worlds
Art can be a powerful therapeutic tool for adults and children alike. A Window Between Worlds website is offering guided art activities via webinar, as well as complimentary worksheets in both Spanish and English. Providers offering essential services may consider printing worksheets for families to take with them as many families do not have access to the internet or a printer at home.
Telehealth Practices for Mental Healthcare Providers
Many mental health providers are suddenly tasked with offering telehealth to patients experiencing increased stress and anxiety. Professional associations are offering supportive resources to providers, including webinars, handouts and telephone or online guidance. Associations offering support include: The American Psychiatric Association, National Association of Social Workers, and California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. ACEs Aware is also offering resources for health care providers.
More Resources
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with stress, worry or anxiety and need someone to talk to, you can call any of the hotlines on the California COVID-19 Response website for help and resources related to behavioral health, child welfare, and intimate partner violence.
Children Residential Facilities
Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Website
Community Care Licensing has established a dedicated e-mail address to receive public inquiries related to CCLD-licensed facilities and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
CCLCOVID-19INFO@dss.ca.gov
Toll-free hotline
1-877-846-1602
fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov
MS 8-13-25
744 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814