February is Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month
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February is Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month, bringing attention to a law intended to decrease the number of abandoned newborns in California. It allows women to safely surrender their newborn baby (up to three days old) to any fire station or emergency room staff throughout the county, no questions asked.
Under the law,
a mother has three days
from the child's birth to safely surrender the infant. A matching bracelet is given to the child and the mom. Should she have a change of heart within a two-week window, the bracelet will connect her back to that child.
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A family medical history questionnaire is also given to the mother to provide a health background on the child, which could prove vital as the child grows up, though completing it is optional.
The month will be marked by proclamations throughout the county, presentations to local community collaboratives, and outreach advertising to promote the program. Since 2006, 77 babies have been safely surrendered in Kern County. These are children that have potentially been spared from being left to survive the elements, abandoned and hoping to be rescued.
First 5 Kern is proud to be a part of a coalition of county agencies, hospitals, and first responders who actively promote the Safely Surrendered Baby law in our community.
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Did you know...
In 2019, five babies were safely surrendered in Kern County (one of which was later reclaimed by the mother). Over 900 babies have been safely surrendered throughout California since the law began in 2001.
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Help Me Grow Kern billboards
Several billboards have gone up recently for Help Me Grow Kern County. The program is designed to help parents identify possible developmental delays, and can connect families to services in our area if needed.
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Participate in your local community collaboratives!
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From one side of the county to the other, community collaboratives are a great opportunity to connect with agencies that are providing services and working to make our county stronger.
Many such collaboratives are organized by the Kern County Network for Children, and hosted by local Family Resource Centers (FRCs). They are an opportunity to announce upcoming events, detail new programs and services, and provide a platform for community members to talk about potential needs or issues within the local areas. Most meet monthly or bi-monthly. The Community Calendar below lists upcoming collaborative meeting dates.
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Did you know...
First 5 Kern staff regularly participates in nearly two dozen collaborative and coalition meetings each month that work to strengthen our community.
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First 5 Kern Commission meeting on February 5
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The First 5 Kern Commission will next meet on Wednesday, February 5th at 2 p.m. at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools headquarters in downtown Bakersfield.
The agenda is posted on the First 5 Kern website, as is the schedule of commission meetings for 2020.
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Pregnancy sleeping tips from First 5 San Diego
Finding comfortable sleeping positions when pregnant can be quite a difficult task, and sleep during the third trimester often becomes a struggle. Every pregnant body is different, so it is important to try different methods and tips to find what works best for you. This article from our friends at First 5 San Diego provides some helpful tips for expectant mothers during pregnancy.
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Children Now releases the California Children's Report Card
The
California Children’s Report Card
grades the state on its ability to support better outcomes for kids, from prenatal to age 26. Each grade is based on the state’s progress (or lack thereof) on passing and implementing state-level policies and making investments in the supports and services needed for all kids to reach their full potential. The Pro-Kid Agenda provides recommendations to the state’s leaders on how to improve outcomes for kids in each section.
The Report Card was compiled by
Children Now
and includes analysis in the areas of health, education, family support, child welfare, and adolescents & transition age youth. What kind of grades did California receive??
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First 5 California unveils new online Parent Guide
For new parents, or parents-to-be, a new website proposes to help parents with information and helpful tips as they navigate the early stages of parenthood.
First 5 California - which works with each of the local First 5 commissions throughout the state on parenting initiatives - has recently unveiled the online guide for parents, available on their website.
From pregnancy tips and safety for infants, dietary transitions, to family health, wellness checkups for your little ones and more, there is a tremendous amount of information available in an easy-to-navigate page.
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Parenting classes at Greenfield Family Resource Center
Parents and families within the area served by the Greenfield Family Resource Center (GFRC) may be interested in classes they are offering.
Parents on a Mission
is a six-week series that started in January. February classes include "Authoritative Parenting" (Feb. 4), focused on discipline techniques, "Building Safe Communities" (Feb. 11) and "Loyalty" (Feb. 18).
Families with a Purpose
is a monthly series of family enrichment classes that can help to strengthen a family's bond with positive education and activities. February 12th will feature "Laughter Yoga".
Space is limited for each class and parents are advised to register in advance by calling 661.837.3720.
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Medically Vulnerable Care Coordination Project announces resource fair
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Families who have children who are dependent on technology for their every day needs face a unique set of daily challenges. Navigating the medical system, obtaining the necessary equipment, and even providing care for the rest of the family can be a daily struggle. Out of the need to support those families, the Medically Vulnerable Care Coordination Project (MVCCP) was born over a decade ago.
The MVCCP has put together an event designed specifically to cater to those families. With services and providers on-hand to answer questions, provide details about programs, or even just to put a face to a name, it is our goal to make things just a little easier for families to connect the dots.
More details will follow in the coming weeks on this event, including agencies that will be in attendance. And if you provide services for medically vulnerable children and would like to participate,
reach out to us
.
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