In Kern County, a program designed to support families before situations escalate is reshaping how child abuse prevention is approached by focusing on early intervention, stability, and access to resources rather than punishment or removing children from their homes.
The Differential Response program offers an alternative pathway for families reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) for lower-risk concerns, connecting them with voluntary support services aimed at addressing challenges before they lead to more serious outcomes.
Unlike traditional CPS investigations, Differential Response does not involve removing children from the home. Instead, families are connected with case managers who provide up to six months of support, linking them to essential resources like food, housing assistance, mental health care, and parenting education.
“They’re not there to intimidate the family or judge,” said Yadira Vargas, Child and Family Services Facilitator with the Kern County Network for Children. “They’re there to offer that helping hand. They’re basically like a support system for the family to get everything they need in place. That way, they can have a healthier and safer environment for the children to thrive.”
The Kern County Network for Children oversees and funds the program, while Clinica Sierra Vista operates it directly, working alongside the Department of Human Services. Together, the agencies form a coordinated system designed to intervene early before neglect or abuse becomes more severe.
“The families receive early intervention and support resources,” Vargas said. “Oftentimes, what we’re seeing is general neglect tied to a lack of basic needs or connection to services.”
According to Vargas, that distinction is key. While severe abuse cases are handled by law enforcement and CPS investigations, Differential Response focuses on underlying stressors—poverty, unemployment, or lack of access to care—that can put children at risk.
At Clinica Sierra Vista, about 30 case managers across six sites work directly with families, often meeting them in their homes.
“Most of the time is really spent with or on behalf of our clients,” said Carrie Eveland, a Program Director with Clinica Sierra Vista. “We can offer these families this voluntary program to help them improve their family functioning so that they don’t need any future CPS involvement.”
Eveland emphasized that participation is voluntary, but fear and confusion about the system can sometimes prevent families from accepting help.
“Some people don’t want anyone in their home,” she said. “That sometimes gets a little blurred for families—they think we’re CPS, even though we’re not. A lot of it is communication and letting them know we’re here to help them avoid CPS in the future.”
For families who do engage, the impact can be significant.
Vargas recalled one case involving parents struggling after the birth of a new baby. The family lacked transportation for medical appointments, faced financial instability, and was dealing with postpartum depression.
Through the program, a case manager connected the family to transportation services, job training, mental health support, and necessities like diapers and a safe crib for the baby. Over time, the family stabilized and was able to meet their children’s needs.
“It was just quite a few things that the family was able to work on with the guidance and support of the case manager,” Vargas said.
The program’s broader goal is to address issues before they escalate into abuse or neglect, keeping families together while ensuring children remain safe.
“It’s a great opportunity for families,” Eveland said. “They’re working toward their goals, toward family success, better functioning, safer environments for the kids.”
Both Vargas and Eveland stressed that community awareness and participation are critical to prevention efforts.
“We want to work together,” Vargas said. “Working together helps us become stronger in supporting families to prevent child abuse and neglect in our community.”
For Eveland, the message to families is simple: don’t be afraid to accept help.
“If we can help them in that way, then let us,” she said. “Invite us in, and we can do our best to help them achieve what they want for their family.”