Families need more than government can provide.
Kern County Children in Foster Care
Over 2,000 children in Kern County are in foster care. These are children removed from their birth families due to abuse or neglect and placed with other caregivers. However, the financial assistance provided for their care barely covers basic needs.
Jamison Children’s Center
The JamisonChildren's Center is a 24 hour Temporary Shelter Care Facility operated by the Kern County Department of Human Services, for abused, neglected and exploited children who are placed in protective custody by either social workers, or law enforcement agencies. Each month, more than 100 children are cared for at the Jamison Children's Center, and provided all essentials, such as food, clothing ,shelter, education and healthcare. The center provides dedicated, hardworking staff, including teachers, counselors, medical professionals, and other staff to replace the children's fear with hope and a sense of security.
Emancipated Youth
Each year in Kern County, approximately 200 youth emancipate or “age-out” of the foster care system. Research shows that within two to four years of exiting the foster care system, 50% of these youth will be unemployed and an estimated 25% will experience homelessness. Despite the fact that 70% of these youth express the desire to go to college, less than 15% achieve that goal.
Breaking the Cycle
Teens who are pregnant or parenting need help to stay in school and earn a diploma. Graduation is the first step toward job preparation and breaking the cycle of poverty. Over 500 teens annually require additional services and support to graduate from high school or an equivalent program
We can do more for our children.
Department Of Human Services
Combining our Strength to Support Stability,
Self-Sufficiency, and Success for Kern County Children.
Where government stops, the community must start.
Poverty
One third of the people in Kern County receive public assistance through the Department of Human Services. Most are children. Families who qualify for cash assistance receive about $500 per month for housing, utilities, clothing and food; children account for 80% of these individuals.
Combining our Strength
The Department of Human Services sees the widening gap between what families need and what government can provide. By joining with business, faith-based, and other local organizations, we can strengthen the support network within our community. When we combine our strength, we can all do more to support stability, self sufficiency, and success for Kern County children and families.
Through the Kern Partnership for Children and Families, your contribution will help enrich the lives of those who need it the most.
Kern Partnership
For Children and Families
Community
BusinessBusiness needs a strong community to succeed.
A strong community means a
dependable workforce and a growing
customer base. Kern County families are your workforce and your customer base.
Families in crisis need help
Kern County families who experience
poverty, child abuse and neglect, or who are caring for foster children are unable to fully contribute to business growth. The limited assistance these families may receive only helps with the basics. Families need more to flourish and be part of a strong local economy.
Business has a role in creating a
strong community
In order for families to invest in business, business needs to invest in families. The Kern Partnership for Children and Families works with unique programs to help families become part of a strong community. Your contribution to the Kern Partnership for Children and Families is an investment in the stability, self-sufficiency, and success of families in our community, which creates a foundation for a stronger local economy.
When families succeed, so will business.