Child & Family Assistance Resources in California

Last updated September 6, 2026

California families facing financial hardship, housing instability, or a family crisis have access to a wide network of state and federally funded programs. Whether you need help putting food on the table, paying rent, finding childcare, or navigating a mental health emergency, there are real resources available — and you do not have to figure it out alone.

The fastest way to find local help is to call or text 2-1-1, California's free, confidential social services referral line available 24 hours a day. Trained specialists can connect you with food pantries, utility assistance, shelter, and family support services specific to your county. You can also visit 211ca.org to search by ZIP code.

For families involved with the child welfare system, or who need to report concerns about a child's safety, each county in California operates its own Child Protective Services (CPS) office under the oversight of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Your county's CPS office is the right first contact for foster care, family preservation services, and adoption support.

Key programs in California

CalFresh (California's SNAP Program)

Monthly food assistance benefits loaded onto an EBT card, helping low-income individuals and families afford groceries. California also extends CalFresh eligibility to some college students and immigrants who may not qualify under federal SNAP rules.

How to access: Apply online at BenefitsCal.com, visit your county Department of Social Services office, or call 2-1-1 for help with the application. You can also call the CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663.

Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid Program)

Free or low-cost health coverage for children, families, pregnant individuals, and adults who meet income guidelines. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health services, dental care for children, and more.

How to access: Apply through Covered California at CoveredCA.com, through BenefitsCal.com, at your county social services office, or by calling 1-800-300-1506. Most children in low-income families qualify.

California Department of Social Services (CDSS) — CalWORKs

California's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, providing cash assistance and welfare-to-work services to eligible low-income families with children. Benefits help cover basic needs while parents participate in job training or employment activities.

How to access: Apply at your county Department of Social Services or Human Services Agency, or through BenefitsCal.com. Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by your county. Call 2-1-1 if you need help locating your local office.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in California

Federally funded program that helps low-income households — including families with children — pay heating and cooling utility bills and make energy-related home repairs or weatherization improvements.

How to access: In California, LIHEAP is administered through local Community Services Agencies that vary by county. Call 2-1-1 or visit the California Department of Community Services and Development at CSD.ca.gov to find your local provider and application process.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support by call or text, 24/7. Helps children, teens, adults, and families in mental health crisis, including suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or psychiatric emergencies. Spanish-language support is available.

How to access: Call or text <strong>988</strong> from anywhere in California at any time. Chat is also available at 988lifeline.org. For children and teens, you can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

Child & Family Assistance resources for California

Fitiger Life LLC

Free educational family-readiness guidance from Fitiger Life LLC on reducing choking hazards for children at home, organizing caregiver handoffs, and keeping standard first-aid guidance and emergency contacts ready. Informational only; it does not replace CPR or first-aid training, professional medical advice, or emergency services.

San Mateo, California+1 (458)-250-0756
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Alliance for Period Supplies

Nationwide

Provide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf

New Haven, Connecticut203.821.7348
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American Pregnancy Association

Nationwide

Talk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources

Austin, Texas800-672-2296
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Babylist

Nationwide

Each Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.

Austin, Texas
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Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Nationwide

Fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.

Austin, Texas1-844-867-9890
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Cribs for Kids At Home

Nationwide

Orders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania1-888-721-CRIB
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I Support The Girls

Nationwide

Provides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.

Wheaton, Maryland(240) 816-0570
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Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

Nationwide

Donor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.

512-494-0800, Texas512-494-0800
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National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Nationwide

Professional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.

Austin, Texas1-833-TLC-MAMA
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Share The Love

Nationwide

Through this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/

Pflugerville, Texas
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She Supply

Nationwide

Provide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.

Flower Mound, Texas
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Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

Nationwide

Pays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations

Duarte, California(855) 348-5192
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WIC Breastfeeding Support

Nationwide

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913
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