Basic Needs

About the Basic Needs Program

The Basic Needs program provides essential items such as beds, cribs, car seats, and clothing to at-risk families involved in the child welfare system in Southern California. These items help support child placement, reunification, and family preservation.

Partner

Social Services Agency (SSA)

Length

Ongoing

Cost

No cost

Eligibility

Referrals accepted from SSA social workers only

Audience

At-risk families in Southern California involved in the child welfare system

Languages

English and Spanish

Program Director

Tina Hopka

What We Address

The Basic Needs program provides essential resources to families in the child welfare system, helping them meet the critical needs of children and supporting reunification, placement, and family preservation.

Essential resources

Family support

Emergent items

Non-emergent items

Program Elements

This program provides key items that help support families involved in the child welfare system, ensuring that children have a safe and stable home environment.

Emergent items

Urgently needed items such as beds, cribs, car seats, and clothing are purchased and delivered within three days of request.

Non-emergent items

Donated items, such as clothing and baby supplies, are delivered within ten days of request to help support the family.

Family support

The program works closely with social workers and families to identify critical needs and ensure children have the resources they need for a safe home environment.

Community donations

The Basic Needs program encourages community members to donate gift cards, diapers, and other essential items to help meet the needs of families in crisis. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Funded by the Orange County Social Services Agency

Program Timelines

The Basic Needs Program provides timely support to ensure families receive the items they need when they need them most.

Referral

Referrals are accepted exclusively from Social Services Agency (SSA) social workers. Each request is evaluated based on the urgency of the family’s needs.

Emergent Items Delivery

For emergent requests, critical items such as beds, cribs, and car seats are purchased and delivered to the family within three days to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

Non-Emergent Items Delivery

Non-emergent items, such as donated clothing and baby supplies, are delivered within three or ten days of the request. These items help support the family’s ongoing needs for child placement, reunification, or preservation.

Ongoing Family Support

The program continues to support families by working with social workers and community partners to ensure they have access to resources beyond the basic needs provided.