Every parent wants their child to grow up happy and safe. We’re devoted to helping families and supporting you through the challenges that come with parenting. Learn how you can find support for you and your family.
JUMP TO
2-1-1 San Joaquin provides 24/7 information and referral services for many of the challenges or needs you may be facing. Phone: 2-1-1, 800-436-9997 (24/7 Toll Free). You can also visit the website at www.211sj.org.
Text your zip code to 898211 to start a conversation with a specialist.
Home visiting is free, personalized parenting support that benefits both you and your child, whether it’s in the comfort of your own home, online, or in another location you feel safe in. Home visiting services are for mothers, fathers, caregivers, and their children.
Learn more about home visiting and what programs and services are available to you below.
SIGN UP
Who are Home Visitors Raising a child takes a village, and home visitors can be a part of YOUR village by helping to guide you through the early stages of parenting. These trained professionals will support you and your family through coaching, advocating, and connecting you to valuable community resources.
Home Visitation Initiative
First 5 San Joaquin offers FREE home visiting services to help you navigate the challenges of being a parent in today’s world, whether you’re pregnant, a parent, or caregiver with young children.
LEARN MORE
FamilyWORKs
FamilyWORKs provides FREE home visiting services and other resources to CalWORKs families with children ages zero to three.
JourneyWORKs
JourneyWORKs provides FREE home visiting services that help address mental health and substance abuse issues for families that are participating in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program.
Erica, Mom of Two — Stockton, California
Learn about other First 5 San Joaquin programs and initiatives:
Raising a family is no easy job! If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just want to learn more about the free resources available in our area, First 5 San Joaquin is here to connect you and your family with support. Take advantage of the free tools and resources in San Joaquin County today.
CALL 1-209-468-9370
San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Hotline
24/7 Support at San Joaquin 2-1-1
In partnership with
Free Home Visiting Services
Get support when and where you need it — home visitors come to you. Sign up for FREE.
San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services
Find support in everything from inpatient services to support groups. Call 800-436-9997 or the 24/7 helpline at 209-468-9370. Support is available in many languages.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Joaquin County
Learn more about Peer Support Groups, Family Support Groups, and more offered by NAMI.
Child Emotional Resources
Give your child strategies to deal with their emotions to help set them up for future success.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful experiences that children may encounter such as abuse or neglect, racism, community violence, caregiver mental illness, or substance abuse. The majority of Californians have experienced some form of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), leading to toxic stress which can be harmful to a child’s development.
The good news! Parents and caregivers can help their child avoid harmful experiences and lasting toxic stress by getting the help they need to create safe and nurturing home environments and provide positive parenting relationships.
If you’re concerned about the impact of ACEs on your child, visit our child development page to learn more about developmental screenings that will help set your child up for success.
If you or someone in your family is struggling with substance use issues, we’re ready to help. Learn more about the resources available to families and other helpful substance use information below.
Call 2-1-1, or talk to a trusted expert like your local hospital, WIC program, lactation consultant, OB/GYN, or pediatrician for resources and support.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, even a little marijuana can be too much. While the transition may be challenging, experts suggest taking a break from marijuana during this time. First 5 San Joaquin is here to connect you to the support you need.
Just like smoking marijuana, the consumption of edibles can be harmful to your baby during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Prioritize the safety of you and your little one by refraining from consuming edibles during this crucial time.
Make sure to keep your children safe by storing all marijuana products in a locked area, where children cannot see or reach it, and keeping marijuana in the child-resistant packaging received from the store.
Edibles, or food and drink products infused with marijuana, have some different risks than smoked marijuana, including a greater risk of poisoning. Children can mistake edibles for regular food or candy, and consuming marijuana can make children very sick. Since marijuana use has been legalized in some states, unintentional poisonings in children have increased, with some instances requiring emergency medical care.
QUESTION
If marijuana is legal, shouldn't it be safe?
ANSWER
While it is legal, marijuana may still be harmful to the health of your child while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Marijuana is natural, doesn’t that make it safe?
Although it's natural, here's some issues that have been linked to it in children:
What should I know about secondhand marijuana smoke?
Secondhand cannabis smoke contains THC and many of the same toxins and chemicals found in tobacco smoke. These toxins can be harmful to those around you, especially babies, and children.
If your child has consumed marijuana call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. For immediate medical help dial 9-1-1.
California Department of Public Health: For more facts and information on marijuana.
Healthy Children: To learn more about marijuana safety.
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, and even the smallest dose can result in an overdose death. Unfortunately, fentanyl is hard to detect and may look like many other drugs or even candy. It’s important for families to be aware of the dangers of Fentanyl. Resources for parents and the community can be found at Fentanyl Awareness.
The opioid crisis continues to impact families in our community. Fortunately, help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use, there are support services available to you.
