The California Department of Social Services California Kinship Navigator (CKN) is a free service that provides targeted resources and navigational support connecting you with community responders who work to assess your needs, prioritize available resources, and assist in completing necessary paperwork to access services. The CKN* can be accessed by phone or searchable resource database, which includes information on clothing and supplies, financial assistance, food, childcare, enrichment activities, housing, mental and physical health services, education, employment, and legal services. All services are available in English and Spanish.
Accessing CKN resources:
- Call (619) 505-3950 and leave a message including name, phone number, and/or email address, along with a few preferred days and times when you are available. A community responder will follow up within 72 hours (often within 8 business hours) to begin the support process.
- Visit the CKN website, click the “Get Support” button, and complete the form with the requested details.
- To search the available resources, select the “Find Resources” button on the website and use the text boxes and drop-down menus to search for local services that meet your specific needs.
If you need immediate support:
- Contact the Family Urgent Response System (FURS) 24/7 by phone call or text at (833) 939-3877 or by email at info@cal-furs.org.
- FURS will provide immediate help for any big or small issues.
- Youth and caregivers are eligible for FURS if the youth is a current or former foster youth up to age 21 who is:
- Placed with an approved relative or resource family;
- Transitioning to a permanent family or into adulthood;
- A nonminor dependent (NMD);
- A youth in guardianship or adoption after foster care;
- A youth under juvenile probation supervision, or
- A youth receiving family preservation or voluntary or court-ordered family maintenance services.
* The CKN is provided for information. We don’t control the content of this site.