You’re doing a hard and very important job – and it can be stressful. As parents, all of us sometimes need help. At other times, we’re in a position to give it.
Our goal is that wherever you live in Humboldt County, you and your family are supported, connected, and have what you need.
Information is power.
If you’d like info on parenting kids of every age from toddlers to teens check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthChildren.org. Read up on everything from toilet training to dating and making friends at school.
Questions about your child’s development?
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthChildren.org has information on kids of every age, from toddlers to teens. Read up on everything from toilet training to dating and making friends at school.
Ask for help in times of crisis.
Youth Services Bureau – YSB Youth Shelter, established in 1991, offers services to prevent youth from entering the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems. Youth who call Our House for shelter services may be experiencing homelessness, severe family conflict or fleeing from an unhealthy living situation. Our House Shelter is a temporary housing program (maximum stay of 21 days) with the goal of family reunification. The majority of all sheltered youth return to their parent or guardian’s home after a brief intervention by YSB. If re-entering the home is not a possibility, then we help explore the next best option. Call our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (707) 444-CARE (2273) ext 0 or text 707-496-0959.
The following organizations provide early intervention, early childhood special education, and free developmental screening for children newborn to age 5.
- Humboldt County Office of Education offers the Special Beginnings program, which provides early intervention services for children ages 0-5. Special Beginnings also includes:
- Redwood Learners Preschool, a regular education preschool program for children with learning needs and those who are typically developing
- Birth to Three Services, which provides early start programs for children with delays from birth to their third birthday
- Preschool Services, which offers screening, assessment, and individual education program development
- Redwood Coast Regional Center, part of a statewide network of non-profit agencies that help develop, pay for, and manage services for young children with developmental delays.
Early Start is a statewide program that offers early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at risk for having a developmental disability. Evaluation, assessment, and service coordination are free. Medically necessary therapy services, such as speech, physical, and occupational therapies, are paid through public or private insurance.
Expecting a baby - or know someone who is?
Want to give your baby a healthy start in life? Check out the free perinatal services. Enroll in SafeCare or Nurse Family Partnership. Both of these programs, offered through Humboldt County Public Health, work with new families, or growing families and offer lots of support and resources.
Talk it through with parents in similar situations. Join a Parent Café near you. Call 707 444 8293.
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.
Being a parent means being on call 24 hours a day.
For emotional support and empowerment, call the National Parent Hotline at 1-855-4A-PARENT.
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.
Need more information? Reach out for assistance.
Connect families to any of the 20 Community Pathway Sites, where resources can be accessed and referrals made to early parenting programs.
Looking for resources?
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.
Concerned for your safety, or your kids’?
If you’re concerned about your safety, 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’re concerned about your 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 provide support for your concerns.
Struggling with post-partum depression?
Mental health services, prior, during, and post-partum are available through the California Department of Public Health.
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!
Social connection and social support are the cornerstones of family well-being and child safety.
Share Family First on Facebook and spread the word that there are ways to get involved.
Resources for Parents
