About
Children's Services Branch (CSB) is dedicated to the preservation of families through the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Members of a 24-hour emergency service respond to reports of abuse or neglect by providing assessment, counseling, crisis intervention and, if necessary, emergency shelter care.
Goal
The primary goal of CSB is to provide a safe and stable home for children with their parents. When this is not possible, a permanent home is sought with relatives or resource families.
Foster Care
In addition, CSB assists foster children, ages 16 to 21, to prepare for life as self-sufficient adults, conducts resource family approval, and facilitates the adoption of children that cannot return home. The Merced County Human Services Agency has a Main Street Youth Center that works with foster youth throughout the community to enhance the well-being and self-sufficiency of foster care youth.
Report
To report child abuse or neglect, 24 hours a day, please call our emergency number at (209) 385-3104.
For non-emergencies, please call (209) 354-2560.
