Who We Are

About Walden Family Services

Founded in 1976, Walden Family Services is a nationally-recognized foster care, adoption, and youth services agency that shares Henry David Thoreau’s vision for personal growth, our individual rights and responsibilities as members of a community, and a life that celebrates the richness of natural diversity.

Our staff of highly trained social work professionals and licensed therapists supports birth, foster and adoptive families and the community in caring for more than 265 children and youth—many who have physical or developmental disabilities, behavioral or mental health challenges, who identify as LGBTQ, or who are part of large sibling groups. Preparing families to care for children with special health care needs or disabilities allows kids to grow up in families, rather than in hospitals, skilled-nursing facilities, or group homes and congregate care facilities. Most important, living with a family helps children and youth build relationships, which are the foundation for learning, social-emotional well-being, and successful, fulfilling lives.

Headquartered in San Diego County, Walden Family Services operates district offices throughout Southern California. Walden holds accreditations from a number of regional and national organizations, including the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, CARF and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s All Children—All Families initiative. Walden staff also serve on the Cultural Competency Committee of the national Foster Family-Based Treatment Association.