Enacted in 2019, the Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is designed to provide children and youth currently or formerly in foster care and their caregivers with the immediate trauma-informed support they need when issues arise through a statewide hotline and county mobile response systems. This 24/7 support will help improve outcomes for children and youth currently or formerly in care by preventing moves, helping keep families intact, promoting stability, and reducing law enforcement contacts which lead to the criminalization of traumatized children, especially children and youth of color who are disproportionately negatively impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This workshop will provide an overview of the Family Urgent Response System (FURS), which was implemented statewide on July 1, 2021, and share lessons learned from the early implementation of this new coordinated response system. As a result of COVID 19, FURS is needed more than ever to help support families who have faced increased isolation, uncertainty, and anxiety.

• Lori Fuller – California Department of Social Services Permanency Policy Bureau Chief

• Jennifer Snarr – California Department of Social Services Placement Services & Support Unit Manager

• David Baker – SCH – Sacramento Children’s Home Chief Executive Officer