You’re often seen as the expert on raising kids and keeping them healthy. Share the wealth of information you have about kids with the people closest to them – parents.
You meet one of the biggest concrete needs a parent has: health care.
It’s not just about physical health – you can also make sure that families take care of their mental health and need for social connections.
Help expecting parents.
Refer families to Nurse Family Partnership or SafeCare. Both of these programs, offered by Humboldt County Public Health, work with new families, or growing families, and offer lots of supports and resource.
Find lots of good ideas and resources for families at MCAH Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative.
If you’re concerned about a child’s safety 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. Use these resource guides to connect families with organizations that address your concern.
Learn how to collaborate with advocacy groups that work with domestic violence survivors. Contact Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, they can provide help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers advice on dealing with survivors.
Learn about how to support a survivor of abuse or neglect by referring them to healing resources. Though based out of southern California Kids First Foundation has ties to Humboldt and are experts in delivering virtual therapeutic services to rural counties, in both English and Spanish.
Social connection and social support are the cornerstones of family well-being and child safety.
Suggest community resources to help families even after they leave your office.
- Playgroups for children 0-5 and their caregivers’ are provided throughout the county by First 5. Playgroups offer developmental information and a circle of supportive individuals with whom parents can share their parenting journey!
- Parent Cafes are offered in many areas of the county and provide an informal support for parents. Call 707 444 8293.
Normalize infant crying that can frustrate new parents.
Help prevent shaken-baby syndrome by finding out more about normal infant crying and how it can overwhelm parents at The Period of Purple Crying website.
Many of the Family First Community Pathway Sites offer supports for new or growing families.
Do you know mothers struggling with post-partum depression?
Mental health services, prior, during, and post-partum are available through the California Department of Public Health.
Share Family First on Facebook and spread the word that there are ways to get involved.
Resources for Health Care Providers
