Damion Wright has been appointed the new Director of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in the County of Santa Clara. Taking on responsibilities such as protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring culturally sensitive practices, Wright's data-driven approach and commitment to community engagement are set to redefine the department's approach to supporting children and families in Santa Clara, according to a release from the County.
Prior to his appointment, Wright served as Assistant Director of DFCS and the department’s Interim Director of Administration, Continuum of Care, and Intake Operations. Hailing from a wealth of experience, Wright joined the County in 2021 with previous work tenure at Casey Family Programs, a national child welfare foundation based in Seattle, as well as the San Bernadino County Department of Children and Family Services. Wright also held key leadership positions at the Los Angeles Field Office of Casey Family Programs.
In his new role, Wright's approach is guided by his conviction that family engagement must be trauma-informed, healing-centered, and culturally sensitive. This conviction has helped him build and grow relationships with community partners during his tenure at DFCS.
Wright finds support in Daniel Little, Director of the Social Services Agency, who describes Wright's track record of innovation and data-driven approach in a glowing statement. "Damion is the right person to lead the County’s child welfare department as it continues to evolve. He is able to concentrate on continuous quality improvement while staying laser-focused on the well-being of the children and families at the center of our work," says Little, acknowledging the importance of Wright's appointment.
With a robust background in counseling and psychology, holding a bachelor's degree from Claremont McKenna College and a master's degree from the University of La Verne with additional years of working experience in various sectors of child welfare, Wright's educational background likely plays a significant role in further improving safety and well-being of the children in Santa Clara County.
At its heart, the appointment of Damion Wright signifies an exciting step forward for the County of Santa Clara, which serves a multicultural population of 1.9 million residents. Boasting a population larger than 14 states in the United States, the County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits. With Wright's appointment, a bright future awaits the children and families in need of support.
