San Francisco is home to approximately 107,500 children and youth under the age of 18, and between 5,000 and 8,000 disconnected age youth ages 16 to 24. Children and youth under the age of 18 account for 13% of the City’s population, according to the 2010 Census.
San Francisco’s Department of Children, Youth & Their Families (DCYF) is one of the few city departments in the country dedicated exclusively to meet the needs of young people from birth through 24 years of age. The department’s mission is to ensure that families with children are a prominent and valued segment of San Francisco’s social fabric by supporting programs and activities in every San Francisco neighborhood.
DCYF is a proud steward of San Francisco’s Children’s Fund -- a fund dedicated to comprehensive children, youth and family services throughout the City & County of San Francisco. It is also an innovative policy body guided by best practices, evidence-based evaluation and positive outcomes.
DCYF’s goals include helping to realize the vision of the Quality of Life Benchmarks adapted by the City’s Board of Supervisors and Mayor:
- Our city’s children and youth are healthy
- Our city’s children and youth are ready to learn and are succeeding in school
- Our city’s children and youth live in safe, supported families and safe, successful, supported communities
- Our city’s children and youth contribute to the growth, development, and vitality of San Francisco
DCYF administers approximately $70 million in funds each year throughout the City & County of San Francisco as we strive to accomplish these goals and fulfill our mission.
