A clearer path for families in crisis

CPS Help, Dependency Court Resources & Family Reunification Support for California

Free guidance for parents navigating child welfare. Dependency court preparation, case planning support, and reunification resources for Southern California families.

Safe Haven connects Southern California families with guidance for CPS cases, dependency court hearings, and reunification. We offer free parent advocacy forms, plain-language process guides, workshops, and one-on-one support to help you understand your options and take action.

  • Verified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
  • 200+ Families Supported
  • Serving Southern California

Verified 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Accountable and transparent. Donations support family advocacy programs, workshops, and direct family support services.

200+ California Families Supported

Led by Latesha Howard, whose lived experience and deep community roots guide our family-centered approach to CPS help and reunification support.

Partner With Us or Refer a Family

Social workers, nonprofits, schools, and community leaders can collaborate with Safe Haven to expand trusted support networks for families navigating child welfare.

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Family testimonials

Families describe Safe Haven as clear, caring, and empowering

When parents are navigating CPS and dependency court, they need clear guidance and steady support. These words reflect the impact of that support.

I am grateful for the support Speak Safe has provided during one of the most challenging times in my life. Their guidance helped me better understand my rights and advocate for myself with more confidence. Read more
I am grateful for the support Speak Safe has provided during one of the most challenging times in my life. Their guidance has helped me better understand my rights, stay organized, and confidently advocate for myself throughout my case. Navigating these systems can feel overwhelming and isolating, but having access to support like Speak Safe made a meaningful difference in how I was able to respond and move forward. Organizations like Speak Safe are essential for parents and families who need clear information, support, and a voice during difficult situations. Their work not only empowers individuals but also helps create a more informed and supported community. I truly believe their services can make a lasting impact for many families in need.
Parent and Safe Haven supporter
Safe Haven Resource Foundation has been a huge help to me during a very overwhelming time. They guided me in the right direction and explained things in a simple way. Read more

Safe Haven Resource Foundation has been a huge help to me during a very overwhelming time. Navigating the juvenile dependency and family court system is confusing, but they guided me in the right direction and explained things in a way that was simple and easy to understand.

They also provide a strong sense of community—I’ve been able to connect with others going through similar situations, which has meant a lot.

I’m truly grateful for their support and highly recommend them to anyone dealing with juvenile dependency or family court.

Parent review
Before I connected with Safe Haven Resource Foundation, I felt completely lost. I didn't understand the court process, and I felt like no one was listening to me. Read more

Before I connected with Safe Haven Resource Foundation, I felt completely lost. I didn't understand the court process, and I felt like no one was listening to me.

After working with Safe Haven, everything changed. They took the time to explain the process, answer my questions, and help me understand what steps I needed to take for my family.

What stood out most was that they genuinely cared. I wasn't treated like a case number. I was treated like a parent who needed support.

Parent review
Safe Haven Resource Foundation was there for my family when we felt like we had nowhere else to turn. Every time I reached out, someone responded with compassion, patience, and knowledge. Read more

Safe Haven Resource Foundation was there for my family when we felt like we had nowhere else to turn. Every time I reached out, someone responded with compassion, patience, and knowledge.

They helped me understand resources that were available to my family and provided information that I had never been given before.

Knowing that Safe Haven was in my corner made all the difference.

Parent review
When I first contacted Safe Haven, I felt overwhelmed and alone. They helped me organize my documents, understand what was happening in my case, and identify resources that could help my family. Read more

When I first contacted Safe Haven, I felt overwhelmed and alone. I was trying to navigate a system that seemed impossible to understand.

Safe Haven helped me organize my documents, understand what was happening in my case, and identify resources that could help my family.

The support I received went beyond advocacy. They offered encouragement when I felt defeated and reminded me not to give up.

Parent review

How we help

Support at every stage of your case

Family receiving advocacy support

Case Advocacy & Support

One-on-one guidance for parents responding to CPS investigations, preparing documentation, and understanding your rights throughout the case process.

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Educational workshop for parents

Educational Workshops

Learn dependency court processes, case plan requirements, parent rights, and proven strategies for successful reunification from professionals with lived experience.

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Guided resources and tools

Guidance Resources & Tools

Free parent complaint forms, case documentation templates, process flowcharts, and guided worksheets to help you organize facts, prepare for hearings, and track progress.

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Community partnerships and support networks

Community & Wraparound Services

Referrals to housing, mental health services, substance abuse resources, and other community support networks that strengthen reunification and family stability.

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Need Help Filing a Complaint?

Access free parent complaint forms

Access Safe Haven’s free parent complaint and advocacy forms. These forms are always publicly available.

Parent Advocacy Resources

Support the mission and access educational resources

Support Safe Haven’s mission and receive access to educational advocacy and know-your-rights resources.

Donate & Access Resources

Understanding your journey

What to expect: CPS case process and reunification pathway

Knowledge reduces fear. Here's what typically happens at each stage, and how we support you.

CPS Investigation

You've been contacted by CPS or received a report.

  • Understanding your rights
  • Responding to allegations
  • Gathering documentation

Safe Haven help: Free forms, response guidance, rights overview.

Dependency Court

Case moves to court; hearings and case plan established.

  • Preparing for hearings
  • Understanding case plans
  • Knowing your court rights

Safe Haven help: Workshop recordings, hearing prep guides, court process explanations.

Case Services

You're working on services required by your case plan.

  • Completing required services
  • Tracking progress
  • Accessing wraparound support

Safe Haven help: Service navigation, resource referrals, progress tracking tools.

Reunification

Working toward reunification or case plan goals.

  • Visitation building
  • Demonstrating stability
  • Case closure pathway

Safe Haven help: Reunification guides, support services, family strengthening programs.

Upcoming & Recurring Events

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Recurring Workshop

Chaos to Clarity Workshop

In this workshop, you will learn to create a timeline of facts to organize your case, turn it into a powerful Affidavit of Facts, and correct false or incomplete records.

Next date: June 1, 2026 • 6:00 PM PT

Following date: June 15, 2026 • 6:00 PM PT

Community Event

Back to School Giveaway!

August 2, 2026 • 1:00 PM PT

Everything is FREE for the community! Free food, games and prizes, paint and play party, and raffles at 15321 7th St., Victorville.

Register

Community Event

Back to School Giveaway

July 26, 2026 • 1:00 PM PT

Everything is FREE to the public! Free backpacks and school supplies, raffles and prizes, food, and games. Location: To Be Announced.

On-demand learning

Workshop recordings

Missed a session? Browse the Safe Haven workshop playlist and watch past sessions at your own pace.

Watch Recordings

Led by Latesha Howard

Leadership rooted in lived experience, advocacy, and family-centered support.

Safe Haven connects Southern California families with clear guidance for navigating CPS cases, dependency court, and reunification. We offer free parent advocacy forms, dependency court preparation workshops, plain-language process guides, and one-on-one consultations designed to reduce confusion and help families move forward with confidence.

Latesha Howard leads day-to-day family support efforts, combining trauma-informed advocacy, system navigation expertise, and clear guidance for parents facing child welfare involvement. Her work honors both the complexity of these journeys and the resilience of families. Full bios on our About page.

  • Verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving California families
  • 200+ families supported through advocacy and resources
  • Local Southern California community partnerships

Safe Haven provides educational and advocacy support and does not provide legal representation or legal advice.

501(c)(3) nonprofit • Serving Southern California families • CPS help, dependency court resources, reunification support

Our services

Family advocacy programs and reunification support

Structured programs designed to help families understand the system, prepare for every stage, and work toward reunification.

CPS Case Navigation

One-on-one support for understanding CPS investigations, responding to allegations, and protecting your parental rights. Includes guidance on documentation, communication with CPS, and knowing what to expect next.

Dependency Court Preparation

Workshops and consultations to help you understand court processes, prepare for hearings, and know your rights in family court. Learn how case plans work and what the court expects from you at each stage.

Circle of Strength

A safe, judgment-free support group where parents and families come together to share experiences, find community, and draw strength from one another through every stage of their journey.

Reunification Services

Comprehensive support for families working toward reunification, including progress tracking, service referrals, wraparound resource connections, and guidance on demonstrating stability to the court.

Wraparound Resource Connections

Referrals to housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence resources, financial assistance, transportation, and other community support that strengthens your case and family stability.

You don't have to do this alone.

Knowledge and support, delivered with care and lived experience. We're here to help you navigate every step of your journey.

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Get involved

How to help — Donate or Volunteer

Family portrait representing community support

Volunteer

Share your lived experience or community skills to support families directly.

Volunteer