ABOUT


Established in 1966, River Oak Center for Children, once a residential treatment program, now provides a comprehensive array of behavioral health services to children and youth throughout Sacramento County using a community based model. River Oak embraces a strength based approach to all services provided, building on the positive aspects of each child or youth’s story including family and support systems whenever possible. Services are goal-oriented and rely heavily on proven programs with a history of successful outcomes.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Father-and-Daughter

Parents want what’s best for their children.

Families deserve our respect, caring and understanding.

Children and youth deserve to be nurtured, have their needs met and to be successful.

People are important so good systems connect people, resources and opportunities

MISSION STATEMENT

River Oak Center for Children helps children and youth who need support, coaching and treatment to thrive in school, at home and in the community. Through innovative and evidence-based programs, River Oak strengthens children, youth and families to manage life’s challenges and achieve their full potential.

WHO WE SERVE

River Oak’s behavioral health programs serve children and youth in Sacramento County from birth up to age 21 with the exception of the Juvenile Justice Diversion and Treatment Program extending to age 26. The majority of the children and youth receiving treatment are Medi-Cal eligible and may reside with their primary biological family, adoptive family, foster care or in group home placement.  In all cases, the child or youth’s support systems are incorporated to best meet the needs and goals of the child or youth.

In addition to behavioral health treatment, River Oak works to prevent child abuse and neglect in the community.  Early Head Start Home Education Program focuses on pregnant women and families with children ages 0-3 years. The Birth & Beyond Family Resource Center in the Oak Park community of Sacramento serves pregnant women and children ages birth to 16 years.

Many of the children and youth referred to River Oak are coping with challenges that place them at risk of far-reaching negative impact on their physical health, academic success, and social and personal relationships.  Our children and youth may be faced with the influences of violence, trauma, abuse, alcohol and other drug abuse, chronic illness, poverty, homelessness or mental illness in their lives.  The support they receive during the important developmental years can make a tremendous difference in their ability to succeed in life as adults.

Recognizing the cultural diversity of the Sacramento community, River Oak strives to treat all children, youth and families with respect and compassion. River Oak’s large Family and Youth Advocate team helps ensure that all youth and families have a voice and choice in the services they receive.

FAQ's

Learn more about the River Oak Center for Children.

MEET OUR TEAM

River Oak Center for Children helps children and youth who need support, coaching and treatment to thrive in school, at home and in the community. Through innovative and evidence-based programs, River Oak strengthens children, youth and families to manage life’s challenges and achieve their full potential.

AWARDS AND ACCREDITATIONS

River Oak is a 50-year-old behavioral health and social service nonprofit agency accredited by the Joint Commission for meeting the highest quality standards in its continuous effort to offer the best quality of care to children, youth and their families.

The Joint Commission is primarily an agency that monitors the quality of patient care at hospitals and health-care organizations. Only a few nonprofit organizations not affiliated with large hospital systems have been given such recognition. River Oak was first accredited in 2003 and was re-accredited in 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2022.

In addition, River Oak is a member of the California Council of Community Mental Health Agencies, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, and the Alliance for Children and Families.

OUR NETWORK OF COLLABORATION

River Oak works closely with several local government agencies in providing services to children, youth, and families living throughout the Greater Sacramento area.