United States Government

The Department of Social Services, managed by the government of Santa Barbara, Calif., assists the residents in becoming productive and self-sufficient contributors to the well-being of the community. It offers foster care, adult protection, food assistance and in-home supportive services. The Department of Social Services also provides child welfare services that assess and investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect; offer court-ordered services to families to ensure children safety in homes; and arrange for new homes for children. Its adult services division responds to reports of neglect or abuse of older and disabled adults. The department s in-home supportive services program provides assistance to low-income and visually-impaired people. The Department of Social Services additionally operates a general relief program that offers short-term loans to people without children.