Family Reunification
Family Reunification (FR) provides time-limited services to remedy neglect, abuse, or exploitation, when the child cannot safely remain at home and needs temporary foster care while services are provided to the family. When a child is placed in out-of-home placement, the first goal is to reunite the child with their family as soon as possible. Child Welfare Services implement strategies that build on families’ strengths and address concerns. Such strategies may include trauma-informed, family engagement, establishing and/or maintaining family and cultural connections, connecting families to services, regular and frequent visits with family members, and parent education.
Returning children home often requires intensive, family-centered services to support a safe and stable family. Services are tailored to each family's circumstances and must address the issue(s) that brought the child and family to the attention of Child Welfare Services.
Who is eligible?
The following groups are eligible to use this service:
- Parents who have children/youth are placed in out of home care.
- Parents/children/youth who are involved with the Juvenile Dependency Court through California’s Welfare and Institution Code, Section 300.
When and where is this service offered?
Services are offered throughout the County of San Luis Obispo Social Services offices, which are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closed on County-observed holidays). During non-business hours, phone calls are forwarded to on-call staff who will gather the information and forward/respond accordingly.
The following numbers are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week:
- (805) 781-KIDS (5437); or
- (800) 834-5437
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
Monday - Friday 8-5
1086 East Grand Avenue
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Tel: (805) 474-2000
Monday - Friday 8-5
9630 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93422
Tel: (805) 461-6000
Monday - Friday 8-5
681 West Tefft Street Suite 1
Nipomo, CA 93444
Tel: (805) 931-1800
Monday - Friday 8-5
406 Spring Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Tel: (805) 237-3110
Monday - Friday 8-5
3433 South Higuera
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tel: (805) 781-1600
FAQS
The Social Services Department prioritizes placement with family members or extended non-relatives whenever possible and appropriate. If your child is unable to be placed with family members or a non-related extended family member (NREFM), your child will be placed with a family in a certified Resource Family Home.
If the Court decides that reunification services will not be offered or makes the decision to terminate reunification services, a permanent plan for your child must be made. These permanency plans include adoption, guardianship, or planned permanent living arrangement.
If adoption is recommended, the Court will hold a hearing to determine what is in the best interest of your child. The Court may terminate your parental rights to free your child for adoption. This means that you will no longer be recognized as your child’s legal parent and your child may be adopted.
Each family is unique and it is best to obtain this information from your social worker or your attorney to ensure accuracy. Family Reunification services are typically offered for a period of six months to youth under the age of three years old (at the time of removal), as well as members of their sibling group (if they were also placed in care). Family Reunification services are typically offered for twelve months if the youth is three (3) years of age or older (at the time of removal).
There will be a Court hearing at least every six (6) months. The Judge will review how you are progressing with your case plan activities, which were tailored specifically to address any issues of safety. Additionally, the Judge will consider whether the concerns which led to the removal of your child have improved and if it would be safe for your child to return to your care.
The Social Workers will meet with you to review your case plan, refer you to services in community, and assess your progress. They are available by phone to answer questions or concerns you may have and facilitate visits between you and your child, as ordered by the court. They meet with your child on a regular basis to assess for well-being and answer any questions your child may have. They arrange necessary services for your child, including medical care, dental care, or counseling.
