California Orders State Intervention In Alameda County Child Welfare System

CBS Bay Area

July 30, 2026

ALAMEDA COUNTY -- The state of California has ordered formal intervention and monitoring of Alameda County's child welfare system — the strongest action available short of a full takeover — after finding serious, ongoing failures to protect vulnerable children.

The Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services serves about 300,000 young people. A recent state audit found the department consistently failed to protect children in its care, including 8-year-old Sophia Mason of Hayward.

Sophia was found dead in a Merced residence in March 2022, where investigators say she had been deceased for over a month. Evidence showed she was the victim of continuous physical abuse.

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