Why are Alameda County foster children placed so far from home?

Long-distance placements in Alameda County are driven by a lack of local foster families and a shortage of social workers, alongside systemic issues in documentation and family-finding efforts.

How do distant foster placements affect reunification in Alameda County?

Distant placements create significant obstacles for parents to attend required supervised visits, directly impeding the process and timeline for reuniting families.

What issues has the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services faced?

The department faces challenges including high job vacancies, lack of documentation on placement efforts, and a lawsuit alleging unsafe conditions for foster youth.

Home / Crime and Justice / Foster Kids Lost in Distance: Alameda's Crisis

Foster Kids Lost in Distance: Alameda's Crisis

22 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Alameda County places over half of foster children out-of-county.
Inadequate staffing and documentation plague services.
Distant placements significantly hinder family reunification efforts.

Foster Kids Lost in Distance: Alameda's Crisis

Foster children in Alameda County are experiencing prolonged separation from their families due to the county's extensive use of out-of-county placements. Data analysis indicates that more than half of supervised children are placed far from home, with some exceeding 200 miles. This practice, compounded by critical staffing shortages and insufficient documentation within the Department of Children and Family Services, creates significant barriers to family reunification.

A state audit highlighted a lack of accountability in placement efforts and family-finding, noting that the department failed to ensure timely services. This situation is further complicated by ongoing lawsuits alleging unsafe conditions and missing children at county facilities. Experts emphasize that proximity to home is crucial for successful reunification, a principle undermined by these distant placements.