The Ladies Aid Society of Stockton was organized in 1882, for the purpose of "rendering charitable services to the City of Stockton". These enlightened citizens recognized the urgent need for a children's shelter, as neither the city or the state provided services for dependent and neglected children. The membership fee was five dollars, and the membership roster was painfully small. In 1901, eleven local women founded the Home Sewing Circle, and the funds they raised were donated to the Children's Home. In a ten year period, the Home Sewing Circle raised sufficient funds to purchase half of a city block and begin work on a new facility. In October 1912 Children's Home opened it's doors to a new building and new site to serve children.  This site has grown over the years to meet the evolving needs of the children, but remains in the original 1912 location.

Much has changed since those early days, when neglected, destitute and abandoned children were provided with the basics: food, clothing and a warm, safe environment. Today, the Children's Home of Stockton is a modern residential treatment and education facility, providing specialized psychiatric treatment and Special Education services for severely emotionally disturbed children and their families.