The King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) manages a wide range of programs and services to assist the county's most vulnerable residents and strengthen its communities. These include services for older adults, developmental disabilities, housing and community development, homeless shelter and services, behavioral health (mental health and substance use disorder) prevention and treatment, veterans' services, women's program services (survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault), education and employment programs, and youth and family services.

DCHS is also responsible for providing leadership and coordination to the regional efforts to address homelessness through All Home, as well as oversight and management of the revenues from the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, the Best Starts for Kids Levy and the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency sales tax.

Services are provided mainly through contracts with community-based agencies. As a primarily regional services department, DCHS plays a strong role in the coordination of the region's human services infrastructure.

Framework Policies for Human Services

The Framework Policies for Human Services adopted by the King County Council in 2007 set the priorities for using the county's discretionary current expense funds and clarify the county's role in human services. Find out more.

Learn About Our Divisions

• Behavioral Health and Recovery Division
• Community Services Division
• Developmental Disabilities Division

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) manages the publicly funded mental health and substance use disorder prevention and treatment systems. With a focus on recovery, the majority of services are provided to low-income residents through contracts with community-based agencies. Services include prevention, assessments, case management, inpatient and outpatient treatment, crisis outreach, detoxification, vocational and employment services, housing, and other supports. One focus area is working to help those involved in the justice system connect to treatment services as a means to support recovery and reduce jail time and costs.

Behavioral Health and Recovery Division

The Community Services Division (CSD) provides a wide range of services to improve the lives of children and at-risk youth, seniors, families, veterans, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, survivors of abuse, and people needing education and training to be competitive in today's job markets. Their efforts also build and strengthen neighborhoods and communities through the creation of affordable and special needs housing units and community development projects.

Veterans Services   

Housing and Homelessness Services   

Employment and Education Resources

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, Older Adult Services, Civil Legal Services

The Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) assists people with developmental disabilities to achieve active and productive lives in their communities. Through community contracts and partnerships with regional agencies, DDD offers child development and early intervention services, supported employment and placement services, housing assistance, and a range of individual and family support services.

Developmental Disabilities Division