The Sacramento Children’s Home is excited to announce that it has launched a statewide urgent response hotline to provide 24/7 support service for foster youth and resource families living throughout California.
The program, titled California Family Urgent Response System, or “Cal-FURS,” launched on Monday, March 1, and connects current or former foster youth up to age 21 and their caregivers to licensed professionals who provide guidance, support, and connection to critical resources.
Youth throughout California and their caregivers can call and get immediate help for any big or small issues they may be having, 24/7, 365 days a year from caring and trained professionals from the Sacramento-based call center.
The Cal-FURS crisis hotline is accessible via phone or text at 1-833-939-FURS (3877). The website, https://cal-furs.org, also offers an online chat option, and the Cal-FURS team can connect youth and families with local professionals in their area that can provide in-person support at homes, schools, and community locations.
“Foster youth and families often lack a support system and the Cal-FURS is dedicated to providing counseling and guidance during times of stress and instability,” Sacramento Children’s Home Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Baker said. “Our goal is for all children to thrive in safe, supportive home environments and we hope that by providing support to both foster youth and families we can help them resolve their immediate crisis and be better prepared to deal with future issues.”
In addition to crisis support, callers will receive referrals to identify long-term, valuable services—referrals to mental health services, counseling, youth programs, community-based programs, Family Resource Centers, and more.
In partnership with the State of California, Cal-FURS is designed to provide vital support to youth, foster care youth, and resource families, assuring that they are provided with high levels of support and stability.
“The state’s emphasis on placing children in foster care instead of long-term stays in group homes has reinforced the need for a dedicated support system to be in place for foster youth and families. We are thrilled to provide this critical service 24 hours a day completely free of charge,” Baker said.
For more information about the program, please visit https://cal-furs.org.
About the Sacramento Children’s Home
Since 1867, the Sacramento Children’s Home has been committed to providing high-quality care to the Sacramento region’s most vulnerable children and families. Our 154-year history has positioned our agency at the forefront of caring for at-risk youth and helping to build strong families throughout our community, and today, we are the preeminent provider of children and family services in the region. From providing crisis support for families with infants and toddlers to providing short-term residential care to foster youth who have suffered trauma, SCH focuses on child abuse prevention, intervention, and mental health treatment for our area’s most at-risk children and families. Our programs promote child safety, positive parenting, education, and mental health, and improve the healthy functioning of families. Through our portfolio of programs, we provide services to over 7,000 children and 4,300 families each year. At 154 years old, the Sacramento Children’s Home is the oldest and one of the most highly-respected nonprofits in Sacramento and makes a significant difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable children and families.
Contact: Todd Koolakian, (916) 290-8201 or todd.koolakian@kidshome.org
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