What We’re Seeing
Children and youth involved in the child welfare system are too often separated from their family networks, culture, and community. Experiencing trauma and instability can make it harder to build the consistent relationships that support healing, identity, and long-term success.
When families lack access to basic needs and early supports, systems become the default response. Strengthening families early on can reduce unnecessary system involvement and improve stability for children.
For those navigating the child welfare system, access to family identification and engagement services can help reconnect them with caring adults and build a support network that lasts beyond foster care.
THE Y'S ROLE
At the Y, we strengthen family connections by supporting both young people in foster care and the caregivers and families who walk alongside them.
We support children and youth through family finding and engagement, mental health services, housing, and independent living skills — helping them build stability and lasting relationships. We also support kinship caregivers with case management, system navigation, support groups, emergency funds, respite care, and child care, so they have what they need to provide consistent, caring support.
We believe families should have access to the resources they need to keep children safe and cared for, reducing the need for system involvement whenever possible. By focusing on prevention, early support, and family-centered approaches, we help shift systems from crisis response to stability and connection — so children can grow up in safe, loving homes.
PROGRAMS & SERVICEs
- Parent Education & Resources
- Family Finding & Engagement for Foster Youth
- Case Management & Skill-Building for Foster Youth
- Mental Health Services for Foster Youth
- Transitional Housing Programs for Foster Youth
- Kinship Support Services for Caregivers
- Kinship Respite Care for Caregivers
- Foster Care Bridge Short-Term Child Care Support
- Trauma-Informed Trainings
- Community Listening & Policy Development
OUR VISION FOR change
FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
Every child deserves to know their family history, feel belonging, and stay connected to culture and community. Consistent, loving relationships are essential for identity development and long-term well-being.
FOR FAMILIES & caregivers
Families are the best experts of their own strengths and needs, so they should be at the center of placement decisions and supported with basic needs, mental health care, and parenting resources. Shifting from reporting families to supporting families through community-based prevention reduces unnecessary removals and strengthens stability.
FOR PROFESSIONALS
Professionals working with children and families should be trained in trauma-informed care and supported to work in partnership with families. With the right tools and approaches, systems can reduce harm, increase stability, and promote connection.
FROM INSIGHTS TO IMPACT
We pair on-the-ground experience with meaningful data to share what’s working, elevate the voices of those with lived expertise, and inform policies that strengthen child and family well-being.
THE Y'S CONTINUUM OF CARE FOR CHILD & FAMILY WELL-BEING
Explore how the YMCA of San Diego County strengthens child, family, and community well-being through direct services, partnerships, and family-centered approaches to preserve families and reduce child maltreatment.
YFS IMPACT REPORT
(FY 2024-2025)
Learn how YMCA Youth & Family Services supports children, youth, and families to strengthen stability, connection, and opportunity.
CRS IMPACT REPORT
(FY 2024-2025)
Learn about YMCA Childcare Resource Service’s approach, services, and impact in strengthening access to child care for families and supporting providers across San Diego County.
CONNECTIONS RESEARCH PROJECT
Learn how YMCA Youth & Family Services’ federally funded program supporting foster youth informed and shaped the CAAVE approach.
EVALUATION OF THE CONNECTIONS 2020 PROGRAM
Developed with our partner, Harder+Company Community Research, this report shares insights from the Connections 2020 program and recommendations for supporting transition-aged youth through relational work readiness approaches.
FOSTER CARE BRIDGE IMPACT REPORT
Explore data and results from the YMCA’s state-funded Emergency Bridge program for foster youth caregivers in need of child care.
BUILDING A HOPE-INSPIRED FUTURE
Learn about YMCA Childcare Resource Service’s journey to building a HOPE-inspired future through learning, embracing, and sharing the HOPE framework with others.
PARTNERS IN PREVENTION ANNUAL REPORT (2021)
Learn how YMCA Childcare Resource Service convened over 200 partners to coordinate resources, align on best practices, and build family’s protective factors.
Partners in Prevention: Community Listening Insights (2020)
Read a thematic analysis, developed in partnership with Harder + Company, capturing key insights and next steps from 10 community listening sessions with individuals bringing lived expertise.
