About the Clinic
History
Programs and Services
Foster Family Agency
Support Organizations
Leadership
Job Opportunities
Links
Newsletter
Site Map

Mission Statement

The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic provides mental health and substance abuse services and the resources necessary to promote wellness and recovery for Kern County children, adults and families.

What is the Early Intervention Program?

          The first few years of a child's life will set the stage for all future relationships and experiences. A secure attachment to loving caregivers who have the skills, maturity, resources and commitment to guide a child to adulthood is very essential. Those primary caregivers act as a "secure base" from which the child will explore the world and provide encouragement, safety, limits and guidance.
          The Early Intervention Program is designed to strengthen the attachment between parents and their young children and to improve overall parenting skills. The ultimate goal is to reduce the need for future mental health services and to help children achieve their full potential.
          As a recipient of funding from the "California Children and Families First Initiative" (Proposition 10), the Early Intervention Program is able to provide these services to all families with children in the 0-5 age range, regardless of income. By providing treatment early in a child's life, the chances for success are greatly increased, thereby giving children a stronger foundation to help them make the right choices when faced with difficult decisions in the future.

Who would most benefit from the Program?

          The goal of the Early Intervention Program is to serve parents, foster parents, teen parents, grandparents or guardians of any child 5 years old or younger. The program also serves pregnant women and teens who want to develop a secure, calm and loving relationship with their new baby.

         There are  some circumstances which may interfere with the development of a healthy bond between caregiver and child, such as:

  • Being a young and/or single parent

  • Having little emotional and/or financial support

  • Having a history of mental illness or substance abuse

  • Being separated from one's child due to illness or legal matters

  • Living currently, or in the past, in a chaotic or abusive household

  • Raising a foster child or grandchild with a history of serious abuse, neglect or multiple placements

Are there behaviors that indicate a child may benefit from the Early Intervention Program?

       Sometimes a child's behavior is simply part of the normal developmental process. In other cases, it may be symptomatic of a more serious emotional problem. Our staff can assist caregivers in coping effectively with behaviors such as:

  • Temper tantrums

  • Sleeping difficulties

  • Oppositional or disruptive behavior

  • Difficulty making friends

  • Fighting or aggression

  • Behavior problems in daycare

  • Difficulty coping with family changes such as divorce or death

  • Withdrawal, isolation, or persistent sadness

  • Hyperactivity

  • Impulsiveness

  • Jealousy

  • Anxiety or fear

  • Other behavioral problems

       The Early Intervention Program is designed to provide assistance to caregivers and children regardless of the severity of their emotional or behavioral problems.

What does the Program Provide?

  • Parenting Information*

  • Parent Support Groups

  • Pre-School Social Skills Groups

  • Individual and Family Therapy*

  • Case Management Services*

  • Support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren

(*These services are offered in Delano also, and are
 available in both English and Spanish.)