About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to support those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect, through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships.
Our Vision
Our vision is that Casa de Amparo is recognized as a major force in the field of child abuse prevention. Partnering with the greater San Diego community, we ensure that children and their families receive unique and innovative services for healing, for stopping child mistreatment of any kind, and for ending generational cycles of abuse. The result is a community where child abuse and neglect are not tolerated, and where child abuse awareness and prevention are priorities.
We believe in a world where child abuse and neglect is not tolerated, and where all children can grow, heal, and create the bright futures they deserve.
Casa Kids Campus in San Marcos
Learn about the work we do
Casa de Amparo is a recognized leader in the treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect in San Diego County. Casa de Amparo continues to expand by serving each Casa Kid’s individual and changing needs through all their stages of life. Casa de Amparo is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization offering two programs serving all of San Diego County, with locations in Oceanside and San Marcos.
Child Abuse Facts
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Two of every 1,000 children enter foster care as survivors of child abuse, with a 33% increase in foster females becoming mothers by age 18
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Common repercussions of experiencing abuse affecting foster youth into adulthood include physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues, academic challenges, social and economic hardships, and intergenerational risks
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A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the U.S.
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Each day, four to five children die as a result of child abuse or neglect at home in the United States
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San Diego County has the second highest rate of substantiated reports among all counties in California
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About 3,500 children live in foster care each year in San Diego County as a result of abuse or neglect
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Without additional guidance, more than 40% of youth who leave the foster care system at age 18 will become homeless, incarcerated, or dependent on public assistance
Facts from San Diego County (2023); Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT, 2024; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (FY 2012-2013), San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (FY 2013-2014), Child Help (2015), and Home Start (2015).
Our History
2022
TrueCare & Lennar Foundation Health Center Opens
Situated on the Casa de Amparo Casa Kids campus in San Marcos, this 600-square-foot health center provides girls ages prenatal to 18 years old with safe and consistent access to medical care and providers they trust. The Center includes a medical exam room, a mini lab and an office space.
2019
Residential Services becomes licensed STRTP
Residential Services received licensure from The Joint Commission as a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). As an STRTP, Residential Services continues to serve youth in foster care with the highest level of behavioral and mental health concerns who require intensive trauma treatment in a residential setting.
2018
Transition Preparation program begins
Casa de Amparo initiated the Transition Preparation Program for Residential Services participants. This program allows progressing residents to start learning all the elements of independent living.
2016
Counseling services expands
Casa de Amparo opened new Counseling Wing and expanded Pregnant and Parenting services at the Casa Kids Campus in San Marcos. The expansion allows services for additional clients and new state-of-the-art therapeutic practices.
2014
Residential Services houses pregnant and parenting
foster youth
Residential Services began housing pregnant and parenting foster girls and their infants. Casa de Amparo is currently the only licensed residential treatment center in San Diego County to provide these services.
2012
Casa Kids Campus opens
Casa de Amparo's Residential Services relocated from Old Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside to the Casa Kids Campus in San Marcos, Ca. The Casa Kids Campus sits on 11.4 acres of land, providing cozy, home-like cottages, and expansive outdoor areas for play.
2008
New Directions program begins
Casa de Amparo began serving 18 to 25 year old youth formerly in foster care, providing fully furnished apartments, career and education planning, and life skills training through the New Directions transitional housing program.
2001
Family Visitation program begins
Casa de Amparo began its Family Visitation Program, which provided a neutral, supervised setting for children who have been separated from their parents as a result of abuse or neglect, enabling regular visits, positive interactions, and reunification, if appropriate.
1980
Child Development Center opens
Casa de Amparo expanded its services to include the Child Development Center in Oceanside, providing therapeutic childcare, preschool, and a family support center for children 18 months to five years old who are at risk of abuse or neglect. Casa de Amparo continued to operate the Child Development Center for 38 years until the center closed in June 2018.
1978
Casa de Amparo opens it's doors
Casa de Amparo was founded by a small group of local women concerned about domestic violence and the welfare of children. Led by the Women’s Resource Center and supported by local police, this team pushed for a home for children affected by or at risk of child abuse. It was at this point that Casa de Amparo opened its doors.
