Kern County, CA - Department of Human Services
Home DHS MenuMessage from the Director
Welcome to the Kern County Department of Human Services website. As Director, I am proud to lead a dedicated team committed to enhancing the well-being of our community through compassionate, responsive, and effective services. Our core purpose is to care for and enrich the lives of children, families, and individuals in our community—a mission that guides everything we do. Whether you're seeking support, exploring resources, or looking to connect with our programs, this site is designed to guide and inform you. We are here to serve with integrity and care, and we thank you for the opportunity to support the people of Kern County every day.
Lito Morillo, Director of Kern County Human Services
Purple Ribbon Month - Hot Car Safety
July is Purple Ribbon Month in Kern County, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles. We urge our community to never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle, even for a moment. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, leading to serious injury or death. Leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is illegal and can have tragic consequences.
Shafter Office Update
📢UPDATE: Shafter DHS is temporarily operating from the CPS office located at 329 Central Valley Highway, Shafter, CA 93263 until further notice. Limited services are available, including expedited CalFresh, Immediate Need CalWORKs, and Homeless Assistance. Due to limited staffing, walk-in interviews are not available, and EBT card printing services are unavailable. Additional Applications can be submitted in the drop box located at 115 Central Valley Highway, Shafter, CA. 93263