Child Welfare Services (CWS)


TO MAKE A REPORT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT, PLEASE CALL: 209-742-0900


About Us:

Child Welfare Services (CWS) ensures the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, youth, and young adults in our community. CWS strives to preserve and empower families, encourage self-sufficiency of families and youth through supportive services, facilitate reunification when children are removed, serve the needs of the Juvenile Dependency Court, and provide ongoing support to resource parents in our community.


Child Welfare Services Responsibilities

Child Welfare Services (CWS) is charged with protecting the safety and well being of children in Mariposa County. CWS evaluates and determines the appropriate response regarding all referrals of child abuse or neglect. Different services are offered depending upon each family's needs:

  • Emergency Response (ER) investigates allegations of child abuse and/or neglect. If allegations are true, child(ren) may be removed from their family of origin or voluntary services may be offered to the family.
  • Family Maintenance (FM) services may be offered to allow child(ren) to safely remain in their home. Family Maintenance is designed to mitigate safety and risk factors in the home so that the child(ren) remain safe.
  • Family Reunification (FR) provides services to the family to enable the children to safely return to the home.  Permanency Planning (PP) facilitates the creation and maintenance of lifelong connections for children/youth who are unable to safely return home and who remain in foster care.
  • The Independent Living Skills (ILP) program provides comprehensive services to current and former foster youth, age 15.5 and up, to prepare for adulthood. Youth are taught life skills, occupational and college prep classes, summery employment, assistance with receiving vital documents, are provided transportation and counseling services. Aftercare Services are all provided to foster youth ages 18-21.
  • Transitional Housing Program (THP) provides financial and supportive services to youth ages 18-24 who have aged out of foster care. THP assists in housing services, such as rent, utilities, and transportation.
  • Extended Foster Care (EFC) allows for foster youth, ages 18-21, to remain in foster care as Non-Minor Dependents. These young adults must meet criteria to receive EFC services, such as attend school or work. EFC services support young adults in their transition from foster care to independence.


County Reports

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Child Abuse Mandated Reporter General Training

Mandated Reporters can take a free, online "Child Abuse Mandated Reporter General Training". Once the website opens, click on "Take This Class Now." (Note: It may take several minutes for the course to load completely)