Parent Partners Program

“The Contra Costa County Parent Partner Program is the result of a visionary partnership between Children and Family Services and the Child Abuse Prevention Council. This program was designed to enlist as staff parents (both mothers and fathers) who have experienced child removal, services and reunification to work with parents currently involved in the system. The Parent Partners are trained and supported to provide direct services to parent clients seeking reunification with their children. This program encourages Parent Partners to serve as mentors, guides and advocates. Parent Partners can be flexible in the roles they play and in responding to a range of needs parent clients might present. The principal goal of their work is to help parent clients gain awareness of their rights and responsibilities, and to assist parents toward reunification with their children. Parent Partners carry out their roles in three distinct ways.”

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“I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you so much for the thoughtfulness on behalf of Ms Dorothy Lewis in regards to me and my daughter Imani. My Parent Partner has been a great parent partner, very relatable and proactive in my life and I’m so thankful for her. We really appreciate the gift cards and we’re able to pick some much needed things for the family. From the bottom of my heart I’m very warmed by this blessing of help.”

Parent Leaders – Parent Partners serve as the “parents’ voice” as participants on various committees and workgroups.
Parent Advocates – Parent Partners mentor parents currently involved in the system.
Parent Trainers – Parent Partners provide training to parents, as well as to various professional and non-professional groups.

The Parent Partner Program is committed to helping families develop supportive relationships and enhance their abilities to draw on family strengths and resources in order to facilitate timely permanency for their children.”

Parents Receive – Parent Handbook – Navigating the System One Day at a Time and Navigating the Child Welfare System Training to anyone

Here’s what we can do for you

Help you understand the juvenile system and attend court hearings with you
Help you learn how to have a good meetings with your social worker and attend meetings with you and your social worker
Share “success” tips that have helped other parents
Inform you of your rights as a parent in the child welfare system
Help you problem solve difficult situations
Be a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on
Encourage you when you are feeling discourage

Youth Partners

The Youth Partner Program supports youth involved with Contra Costa County – Children & Family Services from ages 10-21. Youth Partners have lived and experienced life in foster care. They now work to strengthen, empower, and positively impact the lives of youth by providing peer-to-peer support through mentorship, guidance, and advocacy.