Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger today honored Brandon T. Nichols, Director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), as he concludes a distinguished 27-year public service career. During this morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Barger presented Director Nichols with a commemorative scroll recognizing his decades of dedicated public service.
“Leading the largest child welfare agency in the nation is an immense responsibility,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “It requires clarity, compassion, and the ability to bring people together while facing challenging circumstances. Brandon delivered that–and more. In moments when our County faced pressure, crisis, or intense public scrutiny, he remained transparent and committed to getting it right. He led with heart, humility, and a commitment to the well-being of our most vulnerable children and families. He will be missed.”
Director Nichols’ tenure at DCFS was defined by a commitment to collaboration and equity. He was known for visiting regional offices, listening directly to frontline social workers, and championing better tools and resources to support staff in the field. His accessibility— particularly in communities like the Antelope Valley—earned him the trust of frontline workers, partner agencies, and the families DCFS serves.
“Brandon believed in equipping social workers with better tools, because he knew that when they are supported, children and families are better protected,” Supervisor Barger remarked. “The work he has done will continue to impact the lives of DCFS staff and the children they serve for many years to come.”
Beyond the demanding work of child welfare, Director Nichols also brought a spirit of generosity to the department’s culture. He avidly supported DCFS volunteer efforts and Supervisor Barger’s annual Foster Youth Holiday Party at Magic Mountain, where he secured donated bicycles to make the celebration extra special for youth in care.
About Brandon T. Nichols
Brandon T. Nichols joined the County of Los Angeles in 1999 as an attorney with the Office of County Counsel, where he spent 15 years representing the Board of Supervisors and DCFS in Dependency Court proceedings involving child abuse and neglect.
He first joined DCFS leadership as Senior Deputy Director in 2012, and was appointed Chief Deputy Director in 2016, overseeing all departmental operations and leading the County’s implementation of Continuum of Care Reform–a multi-year, statewide initiative designed to reduce the use of congregate care and ensure children live in family-like settings whenever possible.
Following a nationwide search, the Board of Supervisors appointed Brandon as DCFS Director on July 1, 2022. He led a workforce of nearly 9,000 employees across 20 regional offices, providing protective services and family support to more than 29,000 children—overseeing approximately 35 percent of all foster youth in California.