Parenting is challenging at times (and sometimes very often) – for all parents.
Acknowledging this and offering support goes a long way.
Help to reduce silence and isolation.
Be that person people reach out to for support. Listen to concerns. Connect families to any of the 20 Community Pathway Sites that offer a variety of family supports.
Ensure School Success
The Early Childhood Education Department at Humboldt County Office of Education strives to provide support for families for P-3 (pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade), UPK (universal pre-kindergarten), and UTK (universal transitional kindergarten).
Northcoast Children’s Services provides Head Start and Early Head Start in many locations throughout the county.
Offer to babysit for relatives so that parents can enjoy a night off.
“Fill in” for a family member when they can’t attend their child’s recital or soccer game.
Be a resource to families.
Learn about local resources so you can be a source of information for families – including members of your own family. Help connect parents with specific needs to the appropriate organization. Offer to contact the group yourself to make reaching out less intimidating. Find local resources in the Humboldt Community Resource List and the North Coast Resource Hub.
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program is for income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, and children under the age of 5 who have a nutritional need. WIC is a federally funded program, administered by the California Department of Public Health. In addition to providing nutritional support they also support language nutrition by offering a book to each mother or child when they come into the WIC office.
Find lots of good ideas and resources for families at MCAH Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative.
Gain confidence in knowing what to do when you are concerned about a child.
Use the Child Protection Reporting Guide (CPRG) to determine if your concern rises to a level that requires a response from Child Welfare Services. Once you are in the CPRG scroll down and click the “GET STARTED” button. If the CPRG determines that no response by Child Welfare Services is needed you will find links to two resource documents, the Humboldt Community Resource List and the North Coast Resource Hub, on the right hand side bar. Both of these links list multiple services that could support the family you have concerns about.
Learn how to intervene in a situation where you are concerned about domestic violence.
If you’re concerned about someone, reach out. Contact Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, they can provide help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers advice for friends and family.
If you’ve watched family members have kids (or have kids of your own), you know how important the first few months of an infant’s life can be. Connecting parents to resources and supporting them with physical needs is crucial.
Connect families to any of the 20 Community Pathway Sites, where resources can be accessed and referrals made to early parenting programs.
Encourage parents to talk with parents in similar situations. Have them join a Parent Café near you.
Counseling resources are available.
Kids First Foundation offers virtual mental health services to children, youth, adults, and families in Humboldt County. Based out of San Bernardino County they have contracted with Partnership HealthPlan of California to provide services to Humboldt County families. Contact their Humboldt County Consultant, Kim Rios, at kim@kidsfirstfnd.org.
Playgroups
When children and those who love them spend time together in a safe, supportive environment, they build confidence, connection, and community.
Access free, regularly scheduled playgroups for children 0-5 and their caregivers’ provided throughout the county by First 5. Playgroups offer developmental information and a circle of supportive individuals with whom you can share their parenting journey!
Share Family First – CAPCC on Facebook and spread the word that there are ways to get involved.
Resources for Family Members
