Home Page - Human Services Department

Our goal is to protect and improve the well-being of the individuals and families who reside in Sonoma County – especially those who cannot protect themselves. The Sonoma County Human Services Department is the right place to start when you need help. Our programs serve adults, children, families, veterans, people with disabilities and the elderly. We can help with everything from getting you back on your feet after a financial crisis, to protecting abused or neglected children and elders. We also team up with other organizations around the county to make sure you have what you need to make your life in Sonoma County the best it can be.

Every day, the Human Services Department provides benefits to more than 60,000 people in Sonoma County. We show the way to a job, help with needs like food or medical care, and link veterans and active duty military and their families with the many programs, benefits and services available to them. We also protect those who can’t protect themselves by providing services for abused and neglected children. We make sure that the elderly and people with disability are safe and enjoying the independence they deserve. When you contact Human Services, you’ll talk to someone who can help. Just describe the problem you are having and we will connect you with the service that best fits your needs.

Our intent with this web site is to provide you with information about our services in a convenient manner. As you use it, please feel free to send us your thoughts and suggestions about anything that you see or read. We are eager to provide assistance.

Do you know a child who needs help?

There’s help for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect. We provide services to help families thrive or, if needed, provide temporary care for children at Valley of the Moon children’s Home or with a foster family. Older foster children can also get help with job training, transportation, and housing. Call Family, Youth » Children’s Services at (707) 565-4304 anytime if you know or suspect a child is being neglected or abused. http://sonoma-county.org/human/family.htm

Do you know an elder or dependent adult that needs help?

Keeping seniors and dependent adults safer and healthy is important to us. Adult Protective Services (APS) responds to reports of elder abuse and neglect. Call anytime, 24 hours a day, if you know or suspect an older or dependent adult is being abused. 800-667-0404. http://sonoma-county.org/human/adult_aging.htm

Seniors, veterans and people with disabilities – along with those who care for them – can feel stressed by the demands of everyday life. If you know someone who needs help staying healthy and independent, call us. Programs like Linkages, In-Home Support Services (IHSS) and Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) can offer support for people whose well-being may be at risk. (707) 565-5900. http://sonoma-county.org/human/adult_aging.htm

Do you have little or no income?

Whether you need temporary help with the basics like food, shelter and medical care, or you want to create a better future for yourself and your family, we can help. Through the SonomaWORKS program and General Assistance, you may qualify for cash assistance or CalFresh (Food Stamps), help with child care, transportation, legal aid, or help getting a job. (707) 565-2715 or 800-331-2278. http://www.sonoma-county.org/human/employment.htm

Do you need a job?

Getting and keeping a job can be easier with support from Human Services. We’ve helped many people get jobs and become more self-sufficient and independent. Job Link can match job seekers with employers, provide job listings, job training, employment counseling and job-search workshops. (707) 565-5550 or www.sosojoblink.org. http://www.sonoma-county.org/human/employment.htm

Do you need health insurance?

If your income is low or if you are uninsured, we may be able to help you get medical, dental, emergency services, and medication through Medi-Cal, the County Medical Services Program or the Path2Health program. (707) 565-2715. http://www.sonoma-county.org/human/eco_assistance.htm

Have you or a family member service in the military?

The Veterans Service Office can help people in the military, veterans, and their families apply for benefits. These may include health care, education and job training, service-connected disability compensation, disability pension, life insurance and death benefits. Dependents of veterans with any disability can also apply for tuition fee waivers to attend a California public college or university. (707) 565-5960 http://www.scvets.org

I want to thank our dedicated staff and community partners who work tirelessly on behalf of our community members who need our assistance. And I want to thank the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator for their on-going support in providing critical services to children, families, and individuals in our community.

You can help too. Join us in protecting and improving the lives of people in Sonoma County. Please help by reporting abuse, becoming a foster parent, reporting fraud, or volunteering.