The Board of Supervisors, at its February 6 meeting approved changes to the County’s
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Instead of functioning as one administrative unit, DHHS will be split into two new departments: The Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) and the Department of Health Services (DHS).
The two new departments will begin operating independently on March 18.
Since the creation of the Department of Health and Human Services in 1992, it has grown significantly in size and complexity. The breadth and responsibility of the department grew substantially with the advent of changes such as realignment, programmatic changes with the Mental Health Services Act and child welfare continuum of care reform.
Based on that growth, it has become challenging to provide strategic programs and fiscal planning and management under the single administrative structure. County staff determined that separating DHHS into two departments would help to better manage growing responsibilities.
“The two new departments will ensure the focus will be on their distinct missions,” said Paul Lake, Deputy County Executive, Social Services. “That focus—one on health services and the other on social services to children, families and seniors—will enable the County to meet the needs of the community with an improved departmental structure.”
The primary mission of DHS will be to promote and improve the health and wellness of Sacramento County residents. DHS will include the divisions of Primary Health, Public Health and Behavioral Health. Correctional Health services will move from the Sheriff’s Department to the Primary Health Division of DHS.
The primary mission of DCFAS will be to protect children, senior citizens and vulnerable adults from neglect, abuse and exploitation. It will include the divisions of Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services and will include staffing for In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority.
