Kern County Department of Human Services

09/09/2026

What does it mean to be a dad in Kern County? 🤔 Share your perspective in our quick, anonymous survey and help shape our community for fathers of tomorrow! 👨‍👦

https://asr.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4mtluF4MtbGKWi

First 5 Kern

09/01/2026

KCDHS Employment and Financial Bureau is pleased to announce the CCPS Training Team as September 2026 Employees of the Month!

Daisy Neri, Saudit Dorado Guzman, and Leslie Munoz Padilla stand out for exceptional dedication, positivity, and teamwork. This team has delivered accomplishments that directly strengthen staff readiness and program quality. Together, their achievements have increased consistency, improved outcomes, and advanced CCPS training standards.

08/31/2026

In observance of Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026 all our offices will be closed. We will reopen Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

For available services during our closure contact the following:

•For CalFresh or Medi-Cal please visit BenefitsCal.org or call 1-877-328-9677.
•Child Abuse Hotline-(661) 631-6011 (Countywide) or (760) 375- 6049 (Ridgecrest)
•For more information please visit kcdhs.org

08/20/2026

CalWORKs participants, ever wonder who answers your calls and guides you to your next big step? Our employment services staff is here to assist you. Give us a call today to get started!

For more information, please visit: KCDHS.ORG/WTW

08/17/2026

Coming up: the Kern County Baby Expo on Friday, August 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Beale Memorial Library!

Connect with local organizations offering valuable resources and support for growing families. Enjoy giveaways, including diapers and infant clothing, and meet with lactation consultants and local doulas.

We hope to see you there!

08/13/2026

CalWORKs participants, are you attending the fall semester? Do you need assistance getting started? Contact your local Department of Human Services and speak to your Employment Services Social Worker.

For more information, please visit: KCDHS.ORG/WTW

08/12/2026

School is starting up again and
a change in routine can result in Forgotten Baby Syndrome. A change in schedule, lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, and distractions are common factors that parents/caregivers go through, and they're some of the main reasons children have been unknowingly left alone in vehicles.

Build habits that prevent tragedy:
✔ Put a diaper bag or reminder in the front seat
✔ Place something important (phone, purse) in the back seat
✔ Always open the back door before you walk away

Stay alert. Stay safe. Every moment counts.

For more information:
kcdhs.org/PurpleRibbonMonth

08/03/2026

07/29/2026

📣 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: The Social Policy Institute at San Diego State University will present their findings on Kern County's Child Welfare System. The event will take place at the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County's Armstrong Center on Thursday, July 30, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The presentation will be available in both English and Spanish.

The community is invited to join this event for an open discussion about recent findings and recommendations. Child Welfare leaders will be present to listen to your feedback and share their next steps. This gathering is a great chance for everyone to be heard and to work together for progress.

No registration required.
For questions: [email protected]

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📣 ABIERTO AL PÚBLICO: El Instituto de Política Social de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego presentará sus hallazgos sobre el Sistema de Bienestar Infantil del Condado de Kern. El evento tendrá lugar en el Centro Armstrong del Boys and Girls Club del Condado de Kern el Jueves 30 de Julio, de 18:30 a 20:30. La presentación estará disponible en inglés y español.

Se invita a la comunidad a participar en este evento para un diálogo abierto sobre los hallazgos y recomendaciones recientes. Los líderes de Bienestar Infantil estarán presentes para escuchar sus comentarios y compartir sus próximos pasos. Esta reunión es una excelente oportunidad para que todos sean escuchados y trabajemos juntos por el progreso.

No es necesario registrarse.
Para consultas: [email protected]

07/27/2026

These tragedies can happen to loving, attentive parents and caregivers when routines change, stress is high, or distractions occur. A vehicle can heat up dangerously within minutes, even on mild days.

✔️ Always check the back seat before locking your car.
✔️ Place a phone, purse, or work badge in the back seat as a reminder.

A simple habit can save a life. Please share to raise awareness.

For more information, visit kidsandcars.org

www.kcdhs.org/purpleribbonmonth