The Family Urgent Response System (FURS) is a free 24/7/365 hotline for foster youth and caregivers. This safe, judgment-free, and confidential hotline is available to talk about any worries or problems you may be experiencing. Call or text 1-833-939-3877.

Whether you’re a current or former foster youth or a caregiver, everyone needs support. FURS serves children and youth up to age 21 who are currently in foster care or who have left foster care due to any reason, including adoption, reunification with a parent or guardianship. This also includes youth who have spent time in foster care through the child welfare or the probation/justice system. FURS is a trauma-informed alternative to calling 911 or law enforcement.

When do I use FURS?

For youth:

• Feel frustrated, alone, sad, unsupported
• Have a fight with a caregiver, roommmate, or teacher
• Are thinking of running away or hurting yourself
• Need information on local resources

For caregivers:

• Need help to deescalate a fight or conflict
• Feel sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed
• Need support during a mental health crisis or a parenting challenge
• Connect to longer-term resources in the community

HOW FURS WORKS

When you call or text the FURS hotline you’ll be connected with immediate trained, trauma-informed support from your local county. FURS Counselors are ready to listen, talk with you, help you work through challenges, and connect you to resources in your community. If you want in-person support, local mobile response teams are available to come and meet with the youth and/or caregiver at a place of their choosing to help stabilize a situation and keep you safe. The local response team will also connect you to other local services and support.

FURS AT WESTCOAST

If you live in Alameda County, you will be connected with two members of the WCC FURS team when you call the 24/7/365 number. You can receive support over the phone, or we can go to meet you within a 90 mile radius of the clinic. WestCoast refers you to longer term services in the community If additional resources are needed after we’ve met with you. That might be therapy, case management, WRAP services, or whatever else you need long term.

LEARN MORE

You can call the FURS hotline 24/7. Call or text 1-833-939-3877. Both statewide hotline and local mobile response teams are available whenever you need them. To learn more, visit the official CDSS FURS Website or download the handouts below.