The County of San Luis Obispo Department of Social Services provides public services that promote self-sufficiency, health and well-being.  These programs help ensure the protection of children, the elderly and dependent adults, and provide a safety net for individuals and families who need assistance with basic necessities, such as food, housing and health care.

Mission

We partner with the community to enhance self-sufficiency while ensuring that safety and basic human needs are met for the people of San Luis Obispo County.

Vision

A responsible and caring community:  Safe, Resilient, and Healthy

Guiding Principles

  • We strive to eliminate poverty and abuse
  • We believe all people have strengths
  • We work together to assist in removing barriers and finding solutions
  • We strive to meet the unique needs of each community, family, and individual
  • We commit to fairness and equity

Featured News

Boxes of Donated Toys Click to view article, Operation Santa – Dept of Social Services

Operation Santa – Dept of Social Services

The Operation Santa Program through the Department of Social Services is well underway! We anticipate that we will fill over 1,000 requests this year! We are extremely humbled by the generosity of the entire community, especially during the COVID pandemic! Thank you to everyone!!
Woman by truck of donations Click to view article, Local Church Donates Essential Supplies for Local Foster Youth

Local Church Donates Essential Supplies for Local Foster Youth

New Duffle bags donated to Social Services for foster care youth.
Houses Graphic overlapping one another Click to view article, Department of Social Services Receives Two Grants to Support Housing for Foster Youth

Department of Social Services Receives Two Grants to Support Housing for Foster Youth

The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which is administering the funding, awarded the department $98,400 for the Transitional Housing Program and $48,705 for the Housing Navigator Program

Hello San Luis Obipso community graphic Click to view article, SLO County Agencies Work Together to Provide Food Resources During COVID-19

SLO County Agencies Work Together to Provide Food Resources During COVID-19

SLO community agencies and County departments team up to spread the word about food resources during COVID-19 health emergency and produce an informational video.
Family of four Click to view article, Supporting Child and Family Wellbeing

Supporting Child and Family Wellbeing

The Department of Social Services is calling on our community to open their homes to our local foster youth who, through no fault of their own, are in desperate need of a safe, loving and stable home environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter