San Fernando Valley Community Characteristics

Introduction As social workers analyzing community needs, it seems as though increasing awareness of services available to local communities would enable a pathway to healthcare stability. If more undocumented residents of the San Fernando Valley were to obtain legal status, this would surge work potential, stable housing and ability to qualify for federal and state assistance if needed. Once individuals have their basic needs met, (food, shelter and clothing), they can work toward focusing on their health and wellbeing. With the development of adequate bilingual services, an improvement in symptom management of adults with mental health illnesses would be expected. This may reduce costs and frequency of hospitalizations or the involvement of law enforcement for crimes related to mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.
Summary of Community Characteristics
The San Fernando Valley is located within Los Angeles County, and geographically, it is 345 square miles surrounded by several mountain ranges. According to the 2010 Census, the San Fernando Valley serves a population of 1,771,545 people. Although the San Fernando Valley is comprised of diverse ethnicities, Hispanic and Latinos make up a large portion of the population at 743,524. Of the population, 405,514 are children under the age of eighteen and 207,661over the age of 65. …show more content…
The San Fernando Valley falls into the geographic area serviced by SPA two. The San Fernando Valley has approximately 235 mental health and substance abuse facilities, which provide services. Services vary by location, agency, and eligibility. Many agencies accept Medi-Cal and private insurance while other’s offer services based on a fee structure of a sliding