Our History

Since 1891, CHS has offered robust programs and services to help create quality environments for children.

Children’s Home Society of California (CHS) has a rich history of helping the children and families of California. Approaching the turn of the century in 1891, two pioneers in the emerging field of child welfare, Dr. Jessie R. and Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend, felt compelled to establish CHS in downtown Los Angeles. They believed that homeless children belonged in families, not institutions, and were committed to helping children in need.

Throughout CHS’s history, CHS has been a champion for children and families. Early on, CHS lobbied on children’s issues, provided family counseling, helped young people and their parents cope with stressful situations at home as part of a ‘family preservation’ program, served as California’s largest private adoption agency, and operated shelters for mothers and their children.

From CHS’s first location in the heart of Los Angeles, the agency expanded operations in 1892 to the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional offices and programs were soon established throughout California, with offices currently located in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Orange, Oxnard, San Diego, Yuba City, and Woodland.