Support for Stronger Families

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.

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24/7 Support

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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.

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Text your zip code to 898211 to start a conversation with a specialist.

Home Visiting Programs

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.

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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.

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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.

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FamilyWORKs

FamilyWORKs provides FREE home visiting services and other resources to CalWORKs families with children ages zero to three.
 
 

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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.

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"If I hadn’t had (a home visitor) come to my home, things would have just gotten worse. I’m in a much better emotional state, and I’m ready for work."

Erica, Mom of Two — Stockton, California

Learn about other First 5 San Joaquin programs and initiatives:

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Mental Health Support

Support is Here for You

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.

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Get Help Now

CALL 1-209-468-9370

San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services Hotline

  • One-on-one support
  • Always open
  • Always confidential
  • Always free

24/7 Support at
San Joaquin 2-1-1

  • Emotional/mental health support
  • Food and housing support
  • Call anytime
  • Always free
  • Services available in multiple languages

Connect with free community
groups, resources, and tools to
help you and your family thrive.

In partnership with

HSA San Joaquin County Children's Services

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Free Home Visiting Services

Get support when and where you need it — home visitors come to you. Sign up for FREE.

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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.

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Joaquin County

Learn more about Peer Support Groups, Family Support Groups, and more offered by NAMI.

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Child Emotional Resources

Give your child strategies to deal with their emotions to help set them up for future success.

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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Toxic Stress

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.

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The Strength to Overcome

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.

Support is Here for You

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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.

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The JourneyWORKs program provides FREE home visitation services to address substance abuse issues for families that are participating in the CalWORKs
Welfare-to-Work program.

Marijuana, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding

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.

Edibles

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.

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.

Opioid Use

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.

Quick Facts About Marijuana Use for Parents

QUESTION

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If marijuana is legal,
shouldn't it be safe?

ANSWER

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While it is legal, marijuana may still be harmful to the health of your child while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

QUESTION

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Marijuana is natural,
doesn’t that make it safe?

ANSWER

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Although it's natural, here's some issues that have been linked to it in children:

  • Low birth weight
  • Developmental problems in later childhood
  • Second-hand smoke chemicals similar to tobacco

QUESTION

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What should I know about
secondhand marijuana
smoke?

ANSWER

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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.

Additional Resources

HOTLINE RESOURCES

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories

CalHOPE
Offers safe, secure, and culturally sensitive emotional support for all Californians who have experienced emotional challenges

SAMHSA National Hotline
Offers free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service
1-800-622-HELP (4357)

San Joaquin County Crisis Line
Provides immediate crisis support for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.
209-468-8686

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services
Offers comprehensive mental health services, including 24/7 crisis intervention, psychiatric emergency services, outpatient programs, and specialized services.
209-468-8700

San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services - Children and Youth Services
Provides individual, group, and family therapy, psychiatric medication services and case management for children with mental health needs.
209-468-2385

Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Behavioral Health Services
Offers mental health services, including individual, group, and family therapy, medication management, psychological testing, and behavioral health treatment.
209-468-9370

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services – Substance Abuse Services
Coordinates alcohol and drug treatment efforts, offering a range of services, including outpatient and residential treatment programs. Central Intake Location: 620 North Aurora Street, Suite 6, Stockton, CA
209-468-9600

Chemical Dependency Counseling Center (CDCC)
Provides outpatient substance abuse services, including counseling and treatment programs.
620 N. Aurora Street, Suite #1, Stockton, CA 95202
209-468-3720

Family Ties
Offers residential treatment services for substance abuse.
500 W. Hospital Road, French Camp, CA 95231
209-468-6208

Recovery House
Provides residential substance abuse treatment services.
500 W. Hospital Road, French Camp, CA 95231
209-468-6857