Surviving Parenthood Guide On-Line

Introduction

If children came with instructions, life would be a lot easier! But they don't. Yet we are expected to know how to deal with them during every stage of their development. It's a difficult job. Fortunately, there is help available and much of it is free. Surviving Parenthood has been developed to inform you of many of the services available for children and families in Contra Costa County.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) identifies, builds, maintains and coordinates a network of persons and agencies working in child abuse prevention and treatment for the purpose of information sharing,
referral, improvement of services, public education, family support and advocacy. All services are free. By calling or visiting the office you can:

  • Receive referrals to child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services in Contra Costa County.
  • Obtain more information about child abuse and neglect in Contra Costa County.
  • Learn how you can protect your children and what signs to look for in cases of possible abuse or neglect.
  • Find out what legislation is pending concerning abused and at-risk children in California.
  • Arranges for a speaker to talk to your community or professional group about preventing and reporting child abuse and neglect.
  • Borrow videos, books and reference material relating to child abuse and neglect.
  • Get free copies of Surviving Parenthood and a full range of other free, informational handouts and brochures.
  • Receive a quarterly newsletter.
  • Learn more about CAPC’s Baby Bag Project, COPE Project, and Newborn Connections Program.

Programs

  • The Community Education Program trains volunteers to provide workshops on child abuse prevention, Mandated Reporting procedures and positive parenting techniques to schools, churches, service providers, businesses, and community groups.
  • The Newborn Connections Program is a volunteer based home visitation program that provides a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining a family’s health and security through home visitation. Trained volunteers provide parents with the health resources, family support, parenting skills, and community resources needed to provide a safe and healthy home for their child.
  • The Community Outreach for Parent Education Program, C.O.P.E. provides parenting information through Prenatal Parenting Kits and Postpartum Baby
    Bags. The Parenting Kits offer videos and booklets that address issues on discipline, child safety, child development, finding quality childcare, early literacy and the importance of the first five years. The Baby Bags provide crucial information and local resources for caregivers on health and safety issues related to children.
  • The Nurturing Parenting Programs are designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting child rearing practices. The long terms goals are to prevent recidivism in families receiving social services, lower the rate of teenage pregnancies, reduce the rate of juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and stop the intergenerational cycle of child maltreatment by teaching positive parenting behaviors.
  • The Sue Fleischer Special Needs Fund is a small cash grant designed to help meet the “special” needs of families in which children may be in jeopardy and /or need.