| Human & Social Services The Bureau of Human/Social Services was created to reflect the City’s commitment to addressing the social services and health needs of the community. Services include alcohol and drug rehabilitation services, the Center for Families and Youth, child care services, social services, homeless assistance, and other facility centers which provide community services specific to the demographic make-up of the surroundings.
CENTER FOR FAMILIES AND YOUTH (CFY)
The Center for Families and Youth (CFY) provides services aimed at enhancing family functioning and promoting positive youth development. CFY programs include Family Preservation, which serves families referred by the Department of Children and Family Services and the Probation Department; Family Support, which provides youth enrichment activities for community residents; and Targeted Case Management, which provides in-home case management and linkages to community services. REHABILITATION SERVICES
The Rehabilitation Services Division provides drug and alcohol treatment, and recovery services to the community through a variety of specialized programs.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Services Grant Program administers approximately $450,000 allocated each year by the City of Long Beach to non-profit human service agencies within the city as well as more than $300,000 in Federal Emergency Shelter Grant money. A variety of services are provided through this program including: senior citizen services, drug and alcohol abuse treatment services, children/youth/family services, family violence/sexual abuse and assault programs, emergency shelter and homeless service programs, health and mental health services, services for persons with disabilities, and gang violence/prevention programs. HOMELESS SERVICES
The Homeless Coordinator administers the city’s homeless services, provides staff support to the Homeless Services Advisory Committee, represents the city on State and County councils and coalitions and interfaces with the community to provide education, information and referrals regarding homeless issues and concerns. Services offered through this program include application for and distribution of Emergency Shelter Grant funding and Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance funds, coordination of the Emergency Winter Shelter Program, coordination of volunteer programs, and technical assistance to homeless service agencies.
Since 1994, the City has received over $19 Million in Federal Continuum of Care Funds, the majority of which are sub-contracted out to community non-profit agencies.
The Multi-Service Center (MSC) is operated by the City of Long Beach, Department of Health and Human Services, with several co-located nonprofit agencies. The MSC is designed to provide one-stop access to resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness within the City of Long Beach. The MSC serves as the point of entry for homeless services city-wide, providing a wide range of services from basic amenities of shower, laundry, mail and message center, to street outreach, van shuttle, transportation, childcare, medical care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, HIV/AIDS, integrated case management, and housing coordination. The MSC mission is to provide comprehensive supportive services to promote progress towards permanent housing, self-sufficiency, by creating a community where health, safety, and well-being are established.
EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
The Child Care Coordinator serves as a liaison to the early care and education community to address the quality, affordability and accessibility of early care and education through planning. As such, the Coordinator convened a Task Force representing the diversity of the Long Beach community to develop Preparing Long Beach Children for the Future: A Community Plan for Shaping the Early Care and Education System (2003-2008). The “Community Plan” will serve as a blueprint for action by the local community to invest in a system-wide approach that promotes nurturing and enriching environments during early childhood and supports lifelong learning skills in children ages’ birth to 12. The Community Plan is organized around three strategic directions: Enhancing Quality, Increasing Capacity, and Developing Resources.
The Child Care Coordinator actively participates in countywide policy and planning, specifically as it relates to legislation and funding opportunities for the City.
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