Sacramento County’s Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) plays an important role in supporting families and promoting the well-being of children across the community. Through a range of services, DCSS helps parents establish and maintain reliable financial support for their children, creating greater stability for families.

“Our goal is to support families in a way that creates stability for children and helps parents navigate the process with confidence,” said DCSS Director Dalen Fredrickson.

What DCSS Does

DCSS provides free services to families, including:

• Establishing child support orders
• Locating parents
• Collecting and distributing payments
• Modifying orders when circumstances change
• Helping ensure accurate tracking of support

These services are available to both parents receiving and paying support, with a focus on fairness, consistency and child well-being.

Child Support Officers like Nikole Smith work closely with families to make the process as clear and manageable as possible, so they can focus on what matters most—their children. “I am a mother. I’ve had times where I’ve cried on the phone with the individual as they’re crying because I can relate to their circumstance. I approach each situation with being empathetic and meeting people where they’re at. And I would want someone to treat me the same way,” said Smith.

Local Impact

The impact of child support services in Sacramento County is significant. In 2025, DCSS collected $134,436,544, a 4% increase from the previous year. “Every dollar collected represents real support for families, helping cover everyday needs like food, clothing and housing,” said Fredrickson.

On a monthly basis, the department distributes more than $11 million in child support payments, providing consistent financial support that many families rely on.

Child support is widely recognized as an important tool in improving outcomes for children and families. Research shows that consistent support is associated with:

• Greater financial stability
• Increased parental involvement
• Improved educational outcomes
• Reduced family stress

A Focus on Access and Support

DCSS is committed to making services accessible and easy to navigate. Participation in child support services is voluntary, and staff work closely with families to provide guidance, answer questions and connect them with available resources.

We understand every family’s situation is different, and we’re here to provide support in a way that is respectful, safe, and responsive to their needs. “We want you to feel safe through the process and know that your information is confidential,” said Nikole Smith.

The department also prioritizes safety and confidentiality, with protections in place for families experiencing sensitive situations, including family violence.

Looking Ahead

As conversations continue at the state level about ways to improve access to child support services, Sacramento County remains focused on its mission: helping children and families thrive.

Residents interested in learning more about child support services or enrolling can visit the county website or contact DCSS directly for assistance at 1-866-901-3212.

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Dozens of blue pinwheels are planted outside Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) offices this month —each one representing hope, awareness and a shared commitment to protecting children.

On April 14, Sacramento County DCFAS staff, partners and community members came together for the annual pinwheel planting in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The event is part of a national effort to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect and to promote the well-being of children and families. The pinwheels will remain on display throughout April as a visual reminder of the community’s role in keeping children safe. The 2026 National Child Abuse Prevention Month theme is “Pinwheels of Possibility,” focusing on creating a future where every child grows up safe, healthy and supported. 

Sacramento County’s DCFAS has a longstanding commitment to making sure children in our community grow up safe and feel supported when they do come into contact with Child Protective Services.

“During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that the safety and well-being of children is a shared responsibility. We call on all residents to play a role in prevention—because every child deserves to feel safe, supported and valued,” said Melissa Lloyd, Deputy Director, Child Protective Services, Sacramento County. “Whether it’s strengthening families, checking in on a neighbor or speaking up when something isn’t right, each of us can make a difference. Together, we can build a stronger, safer community where every child can thrive,”

You can show support by planting blue pinwheels in your own yard. You can also raise awareness for child abuse prevention by learning to recognize potential signs of abuse and neglect.

Here are some simple but meaningful ways you can ensure children in your life are safe, healthy and supported:

• Be a friend to a parent you know and offer support when needed
• Be a positive presence in a child’s life—show interest in their well-being and activities
• Talk with neighbors about looking out for one another and the children in your community
• Donate items to families in need to help reduce financial stress
• Volunteer your time with programs that support children and families

To report suspected child abuse in Sacramento County, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 916-875-5437. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

To learn more about Sacramento County CPS, visit their website.

To learn more about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit the Prevent Child Abuse America website. 

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During a recent celebratory site tour, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma recently recognized Sacramento County for expanding support for youth and families experiencing behavioral health crises, highlighting a major step forward in how families can access care when they need it most.

Sacramento County applied for and was awarded $2.95 million through the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA) Investment in Mental Health Wellness Grant Program for Children and Youth to open a Family Respite Center providing short-term support for youth and families in crisis.

The Family Respite Center is estimated to respond to more than 5,000 crisis situations annually, serving approximately 80 families per month. The Family Respite Center will fill a critical gap in Sacramento County’s youth behavioral health system, offering a safe, supportive space where families can de-escalate during times of stress and prevent situations from escalating to emergency department visits or more intensive interventions.

The Family Respite Center is also expected to provide:

• Short-term respite services, typically lasting one to two hours to help stabilize stressful situations
• Access to trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically responsive staff
• Access to calming activities such as art, music, games and quiet spaces
• Mental health, substance use disorder and safety screenings, with referrals and linkages to appropriate community services
• Safety planning in a supportive environment
• Support for parents and caregivers, including connections to mental health services, employment resources and substance use treatment programs
• Coaching, counseling and mediation between family members when appropriate to support family stability following respite services

Through its partnership with HeartLand Child and Family Services, the Family Respite Center will also serve as a hub connecting families to a broader network of care, including flexible, community-based mental health services, housing support and wraparound programs. This approach ensures families receive not only immediate support, but ongoing services tailored to their needs.

The center will operate during extended hours throughout the week, with additional details to be shared as the center becomes fully operational.

The Family Respite Center is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer. To learn more about projects happening within Sacramento County’s Behavioral Health Services Continuum of Care, visit our website.

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Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) joins communities across the country in celebrating National Public Health Week April 6–12, 2026. Public health shapes daily life. From the water we drink to the systems and infrastructure designed to keep communities safe, it helps people live longer, healthier lives.

This year’s theme “Ready. Set. Action!” calls on individuals and communities to take small, daily steps toward better health. Join the Keep It Moving Challenge which runs through April 12 and invites people to stay active in ways that work best for them.

Small actions can lead to meaningful health benefits. Walking after meals, spending time outdoors and building movement into daily routines can help prevent chronic disease, improve mental health and enhance overall quality of life. Regular physical activity also strengthens the immune system, supports healthy aging and promotes long-term independence.

SCPH staff are set to host internal staff walks this week to model healthy behaviors in their own workplaces.

SCPH continues to advance efforts that improve community well-being and address key health priorities, including chronic disease prevention, mental health and access to care. Through a wide range of programs and services, SCPH works to build a healthier, more resilient Sacramento County that all people can thrive in.

National Public Health Week stands as an important opportunity to acknowledge the profound contributions of public health professionals who work diligently each day to safeguard the well-being of our communities. On behalf of Sacramento County, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated staff of SCPH.

During this National Public Health Week, we take this opportunity to formally recognize and honor their contributions. Their service is deeply valued and their impact on the community will be felt for generations to come.

SCPH offers more than 65 programs that support community health. The following programs highlight the impact of public health across the region:

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

SCPH  has the overall responsibility of protecting the public’s health in an emergency. In order to protect your health, SCPH has developed comprehensive emergency response plans in coordination with local, state and federal agencies, as well as private health care providers and the American Red Cross.

Sexual Health Promotion Unit

The Sexual Health Promotion Unit expands access to sexual health care by providing education, testing and treatment. The team delivers client-centered, nonjudgmental services grounded in health equity.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

This program works to prevent lead exposure in children by raising awareness, promoting early testing and reducing long-term health risks.

Immunization Assistance Program

The Immunization Assistance Program connects residents to vaccines and provides education to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect the community.

For more information on public health programs and services, visit the Sacramento County Public Health website.

National Public Health Week reminds us that everyone plays a role in building healthier communities. SCPH encourages residents to take action by adding movement to their daily routines and exploring available resources to support their health.

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Health and Social Services

Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) was notified Wednesday, April 1 of two additional measles cases in unvaccinated children. SCPH is working with multiple clinics and emergency departments in the region to notify those who have been exposed. Both children are in isolation and are recovering.

These two cases add to a total of 34 confirmed measles cases in California recorded this year, as of March 30, 2026.

“The continued identification of measles cases in our community is concerning and underscores how quickly this disease can spread,” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “Measles can cause serious illness but it’s important to remember these cases are preventable. Vaccination is the most important step people can take right now to protect themselves and others.”

These five confirmed Sacramento County measles cases in recent weeks show the disease is circulating in Sacramento County. The overall risk to the general public remains low but residents, especially those who aren’t vaccinated against measles or whose vaccination status is unknown, should be hyper-aware and take steps to protect themselves and others.

SCPH urges people to check the vaccination status of themselves and family members, especially children. Vaccination is proven to be the best prevention against measles.

For anyone who is feeling ill or whose children are sick, it’s best practice to avoid hosting or attending holiday gatherings, birthday parties, group gatherings, faith-based services and school.

Anyone returning home after traveling to an area experiencing a measles outbreak should monitor for symptoms and limit contact with others.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of measles should stay home, avoid contact with others and immediately call their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility. Early reporting and isolation help prevent further spread.

Those who think they are at risk of developing measles can also contact SCPH’s Communicable Disease Program at (916) 875-5881. A trained public health team is available to assess individual risk and determine whether preventive steps, including MMR vaccination, are recommended.

Measles can be safely prevented with a measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) or a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV). They are administered in two doses (typically given at one year and four to six years old) and are highly effective. Two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air and on surfaces. People can contract measles just by being in the same room with someone who is infectious. Early symptoms typically appear 8 to 12 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the face down the body. Measles can cause serious complications, especially in infants, young children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The United States has reported over 1,671 confirmed measles cases in 2026, 92% of which involved unvaccinated individuals or individuals whose vaccination status was unknown. Cases have been reported from 33 states across the nation. Learn more about measles on the CDC Measles website or the CDPH Measles website.

SCPH encourages residents to review their vaccination records. Adults born after 1957 who lack documentation of MMR vaccination or prior measles infection should speak with a healthcare provider. Some adults may need a second dose. Individuals vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 may require revaccination. Children should receive the MMR vaccine at 12–15 months and again between ages four and six. Infants as young as six months can receive an early dose before international travel. For more information regarding vaccinations, please visit www.sacvax.com.

Nearly all health insurance plans are required to cover the cost of MMR and MMRV vaccines. Insured persons should check with their healthcare provider or a local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Vaccines for Adults (VFA) programs. For information about clinics that offer free or low-cost immunizations for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, call 2-1-1.

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Spring celebrations are here, and whether you’re gathering for Easter dinner or a Passover Seder, it’s a time to enjoy good food, family traditions and seasonal favorites. From glazed ham and roasted lamb to brisket and decorated eggs, these meals bring people together—but they also require safe food handling.

A delicious holiday meal can quickly turn into a problem if harmful bacteria like salmonella, listeria or E. coli make an appearance. These germs don’t care how carefully you planned your menu—they’ll show up uninvited if food isn’t handled properly.

Handle raw meat and eggs carefully, avoid cross-contamination, and cook foods to the proper temperature. The safer the prep, the sweeter the celebration.

Five key tips to keep your Easter and Passover meals safe and delicious:

#1. Handle Eggs with Care

• Eggs should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Keep hard-cooked eggs refrigerated until ready to serve.
• If decorating eggs, use food-grade dye if they will be eaten.
• Consider using plastic eggs for hunts to avoid spoilage.

#2. Prep with Care

• Raw meat and eggs can spread bacteria to hands, surfaces, and utensils.
• Wash hands and surfaces with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods.

#3. Cook Thoroughly

• Brisket, lamb, and ham should be cooked to safe internal temperatures:
• Brisket & lamb: 145°F (with a 3-minute rest)
• Fresh ham: 160°F
  • Always use a food thermometer to be sure.

#4. Know Your Ham

• Some hams are ready-to-eat, while others require cooking.
• Read packaging carefully to determine proper preparation.
• Ready-to-eat hams can be served cold or reheated.

#5. Handle Leftovers Quickly 

• Refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours.
• Bacteria can grow rapidly in food left out too long.
• Store leftovers properly and reheat thoroughly before eating.

Keep the Celebration Safe

Following basic food safety practices helps ensure your holiday stays focused on celebration—not illness. Keep hot foods hot, cold foods cold, and always wash your hands before, during, and after preparing food.

“It’s not something we always think about, but food safety is really about protecting your entire community,” said Rolando Villareal, EMD Environmental Health Division Chief. “Safe food handling helps prevent foodborne illness and keeps families and gatherings healthy during the holidays.”

For more food safety tips, visit the CDC Food Safety website, check out Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, or call 916-875-8440. 

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The City’s Recycling and Solid Waste Division will reimburse eligible groups up to $800 for costs associated with neighborhood cleanups and green waste removal on the public right-of-way. The Division will also cover the cost of waste disposal.  

“We created this program to provide funding for groups who were already doing community cleanups and mainly needed help with disposal,” said Jesa David, spokesperson for the Recycling and Solid Waste Division. “We wanted to help offset cleanup costs to help those existing groups further their impact, as well as encourage individuals to create their own cleanup groups.” 

Eligible groups include neighborhood and homeowners’ associations, nonprofit organizations, religious groups, service clubs, and more. Interested groups that are not formally organized are encouraged to partner with an eligible entity and apply together.  

Individuals and for-profit groups are not eligible. If an individual wants to apply for funding, they are encouraged to join an existing cleanup or organize a group. 

The funding can be used for costs associated with community cleanup efforts, including supplies such as gloves, trash bags and protective gear. Up to 20% of the funding can be used for refreshments. 

Cleanups must take place on a public right-of-way, which includes City parks, streets, alleyways, and sidewalks. The funding may not be used for cleanups outside City limits, on private property or on waterways. 

Community groups can submit applications for up to three cleanup events every fiscal year. Applications are noncompetitive and accepted on a rolling basis. The application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date of the cleanup.  

Once an application is submitted, Recycling and Solid Waste Division staff will review and contact the applicant with any additional questions. If the application is approved, information on the next steps will be provided. 

To apply for the Neighborhood Cleanup Reimbursement, or for more information on the Division’s programs, please visit sacrecycle.org.

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The City’s Incident Management Team (IMT) received 602 calls for service last week and responded by engaging people experiencing homelessness, offering services and shelter options, and ensuring compliance with City laws and ordinances.

From March 9-15, the IMT responded to 589 unique locations.

The Department of Community Response (DCR) and the IMT continue to report progress and success along the Northern Bike Trail, where a multi-agency effort has focused on restoring public access while connecting people experiencing homelessness to services and housing.

In 2023, the parkway was identified as a priority due to extensive encampments, public health concerns and safety issues. At the time, an estimated 400 individuals were living along or near the trail.

Response efforts along the parkway involved coordinated work across multiple City departments and community partners. Neighborhood Wellness teams, which included Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services, Community HealthWorks and Hope Cooperative, played a critical role in outreach and engagement, helping connect unsheltered people to services and support.

The effort also included the Sacramento Police Department, City Park Rangers, Code Enforcement and Animal Control, along with critical infrastructure partners such as the Department of Utilities, American River Flood Control District, Reclamation District 1000 and Caltrans. This coordinated approach supported both the restoration of the trail and improved outcomes for those living along it.

The City secured more than $18 million in state Encampment Resolution Funds to support this work, allowing for expanded outreach, shelter access and housing placements.

Since the effort began, more than 120 individuals from the Northern Bike Trail have been placed into permanent housing through the Street to Housing program, with another 120 entering interim housing. Overall, approximately 75% of individuals who were living along the trail are now sheltered or housed.

The trail is now largely restored for public use, with ongoing monitoring and response from City teams and partners to address new encampments and maintain access to the parkway.

Key IMT activity and service data from the reporting period:

311 service requests

• 311 calls received related to unsheltered individuals: 602
• Homelessness-related cases opened: 2,273
• Homelessness-related cases closed: 2,357

Outreach and placements

• Unsheltered people enrolled into shared local outreach databases: 78
• Unsheltered people placed into City shelter sites (Roseville Road campus or the Outreach and Engagement Center): 44

Shelter availability as of March 17

• Roseville Road Campus: 37 cabins available
• Outreach and Engagement Center: 27 spaces available
• Average openings at City-funded shelters (excluding Roseville Road and OEC): 26

Environmental services

• Trash removed: 50,420 pounds

Additional information

• View the full weekly report: IMT Data Report 03.09-03.15
• Explore the IMT data dashboard for weekly and cumulative totals dating back to September 2023.

Click here to learn more about the City’s comprehensive response to the homelessness crisis.

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During the 2025 holiday season, the community’s generosity helped 2,487 children, teens and adults in need across the County. Through the support of volunteers and donors, thousands of meaningful gifts were delivered to individuals served by Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS). Volunteers wrapped and distributed more than 7,400 gifts.

The effort was powered by the dedication of 85 volunteers, who collectively contributed 1,684 hours organizing donations, preparing gifts and helping ensure everything reached the people who needed it most.

Since its launch in 1988, the Gifts from the Heart program has touched the lives of thousands of Sacramento County residents. Each year, community members, local organizations and County staff come together to make the holidays brighter for individuals who may otherwise go without.

The program reflects the spirit of generosity in Sacramento County — neighbors helping neighbors and ensuring that everyone feels remembered during the holidays. But giving now extends past the holiday season, you can still help a foster youth, older, or disabled adult year-round by donating to Gifts from the Heart. Reach out to GFTH@saccounty.gov to find out how you can make a difference.

County employees and volunteers work with community partners and private sponsors to purchase, wrap and deliver gifts to recipients during November and December of every year

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Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) has released the Draft Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Three-Year Integrated Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2029 for public review and comment.

The Integrated Plan is a comprehensive roadmap outlining how Sacramento County will use BHSA funds to support and improve behavioral health programs and services over the next three years. It integrates community needs, service priorities and strategic goals to ensure resources are used effectively to promote mental health and wellness across the County. This plan was shaped through an extensive community planning process that included feedback from residents, service providers, advocates and individuals with lived experience and their families. We encourage the community to review the plan and see how their voices and input are reflected throughout.

The BHSA, approved by voters under Proposition 1, replaces the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and introduces new statewide priorities for behavioral health funding, shifting the focus toward serving individuals with the most significant behavioral health needs while expanding the system to include substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, housing interventions and workforce development. It reorganizes funding for behavioral health services throughout California by consolidating multiple mental health programs into a single framework. Under BHSA, counties must also develop an Integrated Plan that reflects the full behavioral health system of care, incorporating all funding sources that support Behavioral Health Services, not just BHSA funding, to guide coordinated planning and investment.

The draft plan has been available since Feb. 16, 2026, and will remain open for community feedback through a 30-day public comment period. Residents, individuals with lived experience, family members, advocates, providers and community partners are encouraged to review the plan and share their input to help shape local priorities, enhance behavioral health services and support ongoing system improvements. Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services emphasizes that community input is vital to ensuring our behavioral health services are equitable, accessible and responsive to the diverse needs of the County.

A public hearing on the draft Integrated Plan will take place during the Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) General Meeting on March 18, 2026. Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments.

Following the public comment period and hearing, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services will review all input, finalize the plan and seek necessary County approvals before submitting it to the California Department of Health Care Services.

The draft BHSA Three-Year Integrated Plan is available in all threshold languages spoken in Sacramento County to ensure broad accessibility.

Please visit our website for more information about BHSA and to review the draft plan.

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