The System of Care program serves children and adolescents (ages 4-18) in the child welfare system who are experiencing obstacles that threaten their foster care, relative, or home placements, or who are at risk of becoming further involved in the Juvenile Justice system. System of Care works with children and adolescents to help them avoid institutionalization.

System of Care provides services tailored to the unique strengths, values, and norms of each child and family. To this end, it offers an array of services that may include: assessment, individual, family and group counseling, medication evaluation, crisis intervention, 24-hour on-call service, parenting skills training, support to caregivers, advocacy in educational settings, rehabilitation services, linkage to community resources, and referrals to other EMQ programs when appropriate.

All services are provided in partnership with the children, their caregivers/parents, referral sources, natural community supports, etc. System of Care is child-centered and emphasizes family empowerment. Most services are provided in the child and family's natural environments (at home, school, and in the community). System of Care has a diverse staff, and can individualize services to incorporate each child's unique strengths and cultural contexts.

Referrals to System of Care are made by the Santa Clara County Departments of Social Services and Juvenile Probation.