The Matrix program works with youth (ages 13-18) in the child welfare system to ensure that they make a successful transition to adulthood. Matrix serves youth who would otherwise be placed in the Santa Clara County Children's Shelter due to difficulty finding an appropriate foster family placement. Matrix is supportive of youth who have non-traditional families or limited community support.

Matrix services include:

• Wraparound services to ensure youth receive mental health care and social services according to their individual needs.
• Professional Parent placement. Professional Parents are foster parents who have received intensive training in working with at-risk youth. Professional Parents have no more than two children in their care at one time, to ensure each child receives a high level of attention. Placements are short-term while permanent homes are sought.
• Family Finding services for youth who have lost all contact with their families of origin while in the foster system. Matrix seeks to re-connect youth with relatives who can provide a loving, stable family connection, to ensure that every child has a family support network.
• Emancipation programs to prepare youth to make a successful transition to adulthood when they emancipate from the child welfare system at age 18. Matrix works in collaboration with community partners.
  

The Matrix program's philosophy is to identify each youth's strengths and build on those. Matrix staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Matrix works with the youth and their families, extended families or foster families, schools, county agencies and community resources. Treatment is designed to honor caregivers, family members, and all members of a youth's team.