Commission on Children and Families

Overview

The Commission on Children and Families is committed to stimulate a community response to the needs of children and families, and to build on their strengths in ways that will assist them in their efforts to develop healthy, stable and productive lives.

In order to do this we:

Identify and map resources
Plan, advocate and fund research-based initiatives for children 0-18 years of age
Develop local policies, priorities and measurable and meaningful outcomes
Prioritize activities identified in the Linn County Comprehensive Plan for Children & Families and mobilize the community to take action
Involve citizens in planning services for children and families

Programs Funded by the Commission

Community After School Program

Provides a safe place for children before and after school, which includes educationally enriching and developmentally appropriate activities.
http://www.cap.peak.org

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Volunteers who advocate for the best interest of the children who are involved in the child protective services system.
http://www.nationalcasa.org

Family Support Project (Linn Benton Lincoln Education Services District)

Assists non-delinquent, acting-out or withdrawn youth and their families in acquiring the basic resources, natural and agency supports and life skills they may need to achieve optimal individual and family functioning.
http://www.lblesd.k12.or.us/

Family Tree Relief Nursery

Provides early intervention for families with children who have been accused or are at risk of child abuse and neglect that focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening family skills of parents or caregivers and preserving families. Services will include therapeutic early childhood education programs, home visitation and parent education and support.

The H.A.R.T. Family Resource Center (Harrisburg, Oregon)

Offers Parent Co-operative preschool for kids ages 3-4. Other services include, parent/child toddler playgroups, parenting education classes, ESD speech articulation classes for preschoolers, Positive Youth activities and skill development, local outreach for county and State services, Information and Referral, Youth Services Team, and Northwest Medical Teams Dental Van Clinic that offers free dental services.
http://www.hartfamilyresourcecenter.org

Healthy Start

A voluntary program of in-home visits to families, prenatally or shortly after birth. Basic service includes voluntary screening and a Welcome Baby visit with information and a gift for the family from the community. A family interview and assessment identifies the need for voluntary intensive home visit service, parenting support and education. Linking and coordination of services for parents with a child up to age five. http://www.co.linn.or.us/health/public_health/ph-healthy-start.htm

Life Skills Training

Targets elementary and middle school age youth to provide them with the skills for healthy decision-making, social skills, and tobacco, alcohol and other drug awareness.
http://www.co.linn.or.us/health/alcohol_drug/ad.htm

Maternal Child Health Care

Provides intensive, integrated service coordination and case management in the home and in pregnant and parenting support and education groups in the townships and rural areas of Linn County. Targeted population is pregnant and parenting families with children, newborn to 4 years of age.
http://www.co.linn.or.us/health/public_health/maternal-health.htm

Quality Child Care for Linn County’s Children (Linn Benton Community College)

Improves childcare accessibility and quality through training, technical assistance, and connection to resources for childcare providers; and referral to community resources for families & childcare providers.
http://www.linnbenton.edu/go/family-resources-and-education-division/family-connections

Commission Goals

The goals of the Commission are to:

Assist and support the development of strong, nurturing families
Help families achieve self-sufficiency
Enable families to access effective social supports, including supportive parenting programs and activities

Healthy, Thriving Children and Families

Foster healthy growth, development and health care practices for children 0-18 years of age
Improve the quality and availability of childhood care and education for children 0-9 years of age