Community-Based Prevention

Supporting Strong and Healthy Communities

The DFCS Prevention Bureau partners, teaches, and provides support through community-focused programs. The Prevention Bureau acts to prevent entry into foster care and reduce disproportionality in the Child Welfare System.

The Prevention Bureau focuses on 6 zip codes with high rates of referrals for General Neglect within Santa Clara County. The effort aims to create safe, caring & self-supported communities where families and children have access to basic needs to reduce the need for child welfare action.

DFCS has held several community forums to engaging community voice and inspiring change. Please visit our DFCS Prevention Bureau Community Forums archive to view videos.
 

Community Programs and Services

Download the Community Programs and Services Flyer to see a summary of services.

Differential Response (DR)
DR provides case management, links to resources, help to find parent education classes and supports, one-on-one parent coaching, advocacy, counseling & help to coordinate care. Our sources work out the safest, least restrictive and least intrusive service for each family. DR prevents future abuse & neglect by seeing to their needs before court action.
Differential Response Brochure English Version
Differential Response Brochure Spanish Version

Virtual Resource Fair (Includes Resources available to foster youth and families)
The Department of Family & Children's Services, in partnership with the Behavioral Health Department - Katie A. Program, hosted a virtual resource fair highlighting over 50 agencies. This event provides community resources that support families and youth. The resource fair was held in 4 sessions on a Zoom platform. Session video recordings/flyers are available for each session: Behavioral Health (flyer, video), Family Advocacy (flyer, video), Education/Developmental/Medical/Teens (flyer, video), Safety Net (flyer, video).

Safe, Secure and Loved-Resilient Families Program©
A six-week, community led parent education class for parents/caregivers of children 0-3. Classes are 90 minutes each using group discussions, games, crafts, mindfulness and self-compassion practices. The focus is on strengthening parental sensitivity and empathy and gaining a better understanding of what babies and toddlers need for healthy social-emotional and cognitive development. The program is a partnership with Santa Clara University and Sacred Heart Community Services to promote the 5 Protective Factors. Please contact Sacred Heart for more information concerning class schedules and how to register.
Resilient Families flyer (English and Spanish)

Be Strong Families, Parent Cafés©
Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Cafés are provided in partnership with Rebekah Children’s Services, SOMOS Mayfair, ICAN and Catholic Charities of Santa Clara Valley. Please contact participating agencies for more information concerning class schedules and how to register.
Be Strong Families, Parent Cafés flyer (English and Spanish)

New Hope for Youth (NHFY)
Prevention & Early Intervention Services for youth (ages 13-24 living in San Jose/South County) at risk of Juvenile Probation or currently involved in living a high-risk lifestyle. Services include case management, individualized coaching, pro-social activities, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, mentoring, parent education and support services. For more information contact New Hope for Youth.
New Hope for Youth flyer (English and Spanish)

Mandated Reporter Training
The Santa Clara County Department of Family Children’s Services in partnership with Seneca Family of Agencies provides FREE on demand and monthly Mandated Reporter trainings (virtual/in-person) in English or Spanish. Agencies may also request to host separately, please contact [email protected] or call (510) 654-4004 for further information. The Mandated Reporter Training is 3 hours, available for Santa Clara County Mandated Reporters only and CEU’s are provided.
Mandated Reporter Training flyer 1
Mandated Reporter Training flyer 2