Resources for Families and Children

As a working mother of two, I understand how difficult it can be to find support for your family when you need it most. Fortunately, there are many city, county, and state resources available for families to ensure that everyone is fed, safe, and cared for. Keep reading to browse the available programs and resources in your city. (updated Jun. 2026)

State Resources:

CalHOPE’s Soluna & BrightLife Kids: Free and Confidential Mental Health for CA Youth

BrightLife Kids

Personalized support for California families. Kids ages 0–12 get free, expert coaching for sleep issues, worry, social skills, and more. Live, 1:1 video sessions, secure chat, on-demand content, and more.

Soluna

Soluna is a free app where teens and young adults can receive self-support, peer support, and 1:1 professional support — all in one place, for free — Soluna is here to advocate for mental health like no one has before.

Local Resources:

LiveWell Center San Diego

Multiple Locations | (858) 694-3900

Live Well San Diego is a vision for a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving. 

Through collective impact and the diverse resources and backbone support of the County of San Diego, the vision aligns efforts across sectors to help all 3.3 million San Diego County residents live well. Over 600+ organizations throughout the region have made a formal commitment to the vision so that wherever you live, work, play or pray, an organization or individual is nearby, working to improve your well-being and the health of your community. 

Child Care Payment Program - Families | CDA

CDA’s Child Care Payment Program, also known as Alternative Payment Program (APP), provides subsidized childcare assistance to families who live or work in San Diego County, have children ages 0-13 years or children with exceptional needs under 21 years of age, and meet eligibility requirements.

San Diego Youth Services

San Diego Youth Services, 3255 Wing Street, San Diego, CA 92110

My 2026 Non-profit of the year, San Diego Youth Services believes every child deserves to reach their full potential. Since its founding over 50 years ago, they have changed the lives of more than 834,000 youth.

Services:

Foster Care

Homeless Housing and Support

Workforce Development

Suicide Prevention and Intervention

Adoption Support

Anti-Bullying Awareness and Support

Juvenile Delinquency Diversion and Intervention

Mental Health

LGBTQ+ Services

Domestic Violence Prevention

Human Trafficking Awareness and Recovery

Leadership & Team Building

San Diego County Department of Child Support Services

3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123 | 866-901-3212

The Department of Child Support Services is San Diego County’s one-stop shop for child support needs and family resources. They provide resources for justice-involved families, resources to fight food insecurity, and fun, educational programming for families.

City of San Diego Office of Child and Youth Success

The Office of Child and Youth Success in the City of San Diego was created in 2022 to ensure that all young San Diegans are supported as they learn and grow.