The Official Website of the City of Los Santos
General Information
The Department of Health & Welfare (DHW) is dedicated to ensuring the well-being and stability of all residents in the City of Los Santos. Through a wide range of programs — including veteran assistance, employment opportunities, the Haven Homes Project, foster and adoptive care, child protective services and affordable housing — the department works to provide peace, stability and a dignified standard of living for vulnerable individuals and families.
DHW’s goal is simple: provide accessible, compassionate and effective support that empowers residents to rebuild and thrive. By focusing on both immediate needs and long-term stability, the department ensures that no member of the community is left behind.
DHW at a Glance
- Affordable housing and homelessness support
- Veteran assistance and welfare programs
- Child protection, foster care and adoption
- Employment and community development initiatives
- Emergency shelter and crisis support
Dr. Danielle Shaw, M.D.
Director of Health & Welfare
Meet Director Shaw
Howdy! I’m Danielle Shaw, appointed Director of DHW mid February. I have a background in government and departmental leadership, reforming PHMC and building it up from nothing early in 2020. My professional background also extends into the medical industry more directly, being a qualified and licensed physician for 30 years.
I have ventured into politics previously, standing on platforms of strong ethical accountability and transparency, those values I bring to DHW in my leadership of the department. More personally however, I believe motivation comes from active leadership being there to set the standard and support the daily functions of the department, whilst rewarding and supporting those who serve initiatives up to benefit the wider city.
DHW has a wide range of projects being planned currently, with CPS and our Sacred Hearts team working to expand their operations into the county. I am personally working on bringing a public library, rehabilitation center and the LGBT center into existence. We’ve got a lot to do, but you’ll always see us around and you’re welcome to reach out to ask us any questions! If you feel like you could bring energy or ideas to our team you’re welcome to join, same with if you just share our vision!
Nikita Medina
Deputy Director of Health & Welfare
Meet Deputy Director Medina
Nikita Medina is a lifelong resident of Los Santos whose early life was marked by significant hardship and instability. Finding herself in the Department of Health and Welfare's Child Welfare program. A resident of Haven Homes herself, she managed to develop herself into a strong-willed, powerful teenager who understood the meaning of hard work.
Nikita was later adopted through the department’s adoption services and the San Andreas court system, a turning point in her life that provided her with long-term stability, guidance, and opportunity. Through the support of her adoptive family, she was encouraged to pursue both education and personal growth, graduating from Davis High School before attending the University of Los Santos. During her studies, Nikita completed an internship with Child Protection Services and later spent time abroad participating in humanitarian aid efforts.
Nikita Medina remains committed to utilizing her personal experiences to further enhance departmental outreach across the state, helping provide vital services and support to less fortunate individuals and families while assisting them in rebuilding their lives toward long-term self-sustainability
Key Initiatives
These initiatives reflect DHW’s commitment to providing emergency shelter, essential resources and long-term pathways to stability. Each program is built around dignity, safety and sustainable outcomes for residents in need.
Branches & Areas of Focus
The department is divided into two primary branches: Community Development and Youth Welfare. These branches work in close coordination to ensure high-quality support and effective service delivery across the city.
Community Development
Focuses on housing, employment, veteran assistance and welfare programs. Promotes long-term stability through practical, hands-on support for residents experiencing financial or social hardship.
Youth Welfare
Protects vulnerable minors through Child Protective Services, foster care, adoption services and youth rehabilitation programs. Ensures safe, stable environments for children and families.
Youth Welfare
Youth Welfare addresses the needs of vulnerable minors in the community. Programs include Child Protective Services, the Foster Care & Adoption Program and the Second Chance Youth Parole Program. These initiatives are aimed at creating safe, nurturing environments and offering young people opportunities for growth, education and stability.
Community Development
Community Development focuses on social and economic needs, promoting long-term stability for residents. Whether someone needs housing assistance, employment guidance or community-based support, the division offers direct, practical solutions without unnecessary delays.
Programs include the Affordable Housing Program, Employment Guidance and the Community Center Program. The division works to ensure support is accessible, respectful and focused on real outcomes.
The Department of Health & Welfare is committed to building a healthier, safer and more supportive Los Santos. Through compassionate programs and strong community engagement, DHW ensures that every resident has access to stability, dignity and hope.
As the city continues to grow, DHW remains dedicated to expanding services, strengthening partnerships and improving how support is delivered — ensuring the well-being of all who call Los Santos home.
