Giving Families a Chance is a program addressing the common underlying problems that create unnecessary litigation aimed at children under the age of six and their families. Participating families are given priority access to an extensive network of county social services, community support, and pro bono legal services, with the court serving as the hub and entry point. This program is a collaboration between FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and Family Court Services – Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara.

Giving Families a Chance is among eight court programs honored by the Judicial Council for innovative approaches to serving the public. From a field of 17 nominations, the council selected 8 exemplary programs for awards that were presented at a gathering of judicial leaders.

Created in 1991 in honor of Ralph N. Kleps, the first Administrative Director of the Courts in California, the awards are given in five categories based on the number of authorized judicial positions in the courts.

The programs nominated must be innovative, transferable to other courts, and have demonstrated results. FIRST 5 Santa Clara County is very proud of this distinction.