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List and Links to all Free Medical Clinics 

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List and Links to all Free Medical Clinics 

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Kern County Area

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Kern County California Free & Income Based Clinics

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information for Patients
Contact your healthcare provider by phone before coming to a clinic or hospital if you meet the following criteria:

Symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose.

Contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19 within 14 days of onset of systems

This is a county based search for Kern County clinics. We also provide city based searches. Use the search box below to only search one city at a time.

For the most part these clinics are for low income persons or those without insurance.

Review all of the information we have provided for the clinics. Some of them provide a wide array of services ranging from free to sliding scale services.We have provided as much detailed information including phone numbers, emails, and websites where available.Clinic services we list include (but not limited to):

Dental Clinic Services

Medical Clinic Services

Women's Health Clinic Services

Adult Health Clinic Services

Pediatric Health Clinic Services

Pediatric Dental Clinic Services

Behavioral Health Clinic Services

We have listed all of the free and income based health clinics we have located in Kern County, CA.

Review all of the information we have provided for the clinics. Some of them provide a wide array of services ranging from free to sliding scale services.We have provided as much detailed information including phone numbers, emails, and websites where available.

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Kern County CA Free Clinics | Free Clinics in Kern County

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information for Patients Contact your healthcare provider by phone before coming to a clinic or hospital if you meet the following criteria: Symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose.

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Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services 

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Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services 

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A Message From the Director

We hope that as you read and search our site, you will gain more than "facts and figures". We hope that you will see that Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is a high quality county department. We utilize many well-respected evidence-based approaches, and are constantly working to improve our ability to serve people of multiple cultures or having complex problems. However what we really hope comes through on our website is that we believe that individuals with mental illnesses or addictions can recover and rejoin us as members of a thriving community. To be a successful department, we always start with hope. Whether you are an individual looking for help, a family member seeking understanding for a loved one, or even a professional looking for a place to work, we are glad you started here. There is recovery and hope available, and we invite you to join us on that journey.

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BILL WALKER, LMFT, Director

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Beneficiary Informing Materials

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The Official Kern County Mental Health Website

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A Message From the Director We hope that as you read and search our site, you will gain more than "facts and figures". We hope that you will see that Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is a high quality county department.

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Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, KernBHRS only has certain sites open to provide essential behavioral health and substance use services to Kern County. Our Crisis Hotline will remain fully staffed and available 24/7 at 1-800-991-5272. Immediate behavioral health services are available at the Mary K. Shell Health Center, 2151 College Ave., Bakersfield, CA OR at the Ridgecrest CSU, located at 1141 Chelsea St., Ridgecrest, CA.​​

KernBHRS will post any updates to its services at www.kernbhrs.org/covid-19.

GETTING STARTED
For non-crisis situations, the Access and Assessment Center serves as the central point of contact for the Kern County Mental Health (KCMH) System of Care. Call (661) 868-8123 for information about services. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The Access and Assessment Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A list of System of Care service providers for Kern County is available upon request.

DURING A CRISIS
Consider these options when you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis:

Call 911 if the situation is a life- threatening emergency.

Call the Crisis Hotline at 800-991-5272, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Visit the Psychiatric Evaluation Center/Crisis Stabilization Unit (PEC/CSU) located at the Mary K. Shell Mental Health Center (2151 College Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93305).

CRISIS HOTLINE

The Kern County Mental Health Hotline (KCMHH) provides crisis counseling, suicide intervention, coping skills guidance, and referrals for persons who call and are in immediate crisis situations. Information regarding community-based resources, including other identified human-service needs and substance abuse services may be provided. Assistance is given to any individual who calls and there are no eligibility requirements. In addition, KCMHH staff provides a number of suicide prevention, intervention, and post-intervention trainings and outreach to individuals, local communities, schools and agencies. The KCMHH is dedicated to assuring individuals receive the highest quality, most effective, and culturally appropriate treatment, education, and support.

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Psychiatric Evaluation Center/Crisis Stabilization Unit (PEC/CSU) is an urgent care psychiatric unit with the goal of providing psychiatric care in the least restrictive environment possible, while still maintaining a safe, locked facility. The PEC/CSU is the designated facility for non-EMS (Emergency Medical Services) involuntary psychiatric evaluation in Kern County for minors and adults. PEC/CSU also provides services to individuals on a voluntary basis, including individuals with co-occurring substance use disorder concerns. The facility provides brief, culturally sensitive, individual and family crisis intervention services to those in crisis. The goal of the PEC/CSU is to resolve the immediate crisis within a few hours, and to provide linkage to appropriate follow-up resources. The PEC/CSU cannot write or fill prescriptions and does not provide medical services. PEC/CSU is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information, click .

MOBILE EVALUATION TEAM

The Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) is dispatched by law enforcement when a mental health crisis is identified in the community. MET provides crisis intervention, voluntary and involuntary assessment for psychiatric hospitalization, and follow-up in the community. MET provides linkage to mental health services and community resources for minors, adults, senior adults, and veterans. In addition, MET provides briefings to Kern County hospitals and law enforcement. MET collaborates with law enforcement to provide Crisis Intervention Training for peace officers and also provides the county training for 5150 Certification (involuntary psychiatric hospitalization).

CRISIS CASE MANAGEMENT OUTREACH (CCMO)

Crisis Access Point provides screening and linkage services for adults entering the system of care through an acute psychiatric hospitalization. Services are recovery oriented and include assessment, intensive case management, medication support, individual therapy, and substance use disorder treatment. Linkage is provided to outpatient mental health teams and community providers.

Freise Hope House Liaisons provide screening, linkage, and brief case management for individuals entering the system of care through a stay at the Freise Hope House (FHH). Services are recovery oriented and include assessment, intensive case management, medication support, individual therapy and substance use disorder treatment. Linkage is provided to outpatient mental health teams and community providers. FHH is a short-term, voluntary, mental health crisis residential program, licensed by the State of California and run by Crestwood Behavioral Health Inc.

Adult Wraparound provides distinct services through inpatient and outpatient programs for adults currently served by the system of care. The inpatient program provides one-time hospital discharge planning assistance at the request of the primary treatment team. The outpatient program provides 6-8 weeks of intensified mental health services at the direction of the primary team. Wraparound services are intended to augment mental health services provided by primary outpatient teams and to reduce crises and hospitalizations through intensified case management/linkage, interventions, and individual counseling.

CARE COORDINATION UNIT

The Care Coordination Unit (CCU) serves as the representative for the Mental Health Plan, coordinating services with Managed Care Plans. Our goal is to assist our clients and system of care teams to ensure that clients are coordinated with the services they require-both within our system of care and outside our system of care. CCU will track and monitor clients' access to services and ensure they are connected to the appropriate level of service upon discharge. CCU works closely with the entire system of care, contracted service providers, and community providers to provide care management for the mental health system of care.

CRISIS ADDICTION COUNSELING

Crisis Addiction Counseling (CAC) is an early recovery program for any adult who wants to stop using alcohol or drugs. The program lasts 12 weeks and participants are awarded a certificate after completion. The program includes 3 groups a week: Process, Psycho-education, and Life-skills; with individual counseling on request.

ACCESS AND ASSESSMENT CENTER

For non-crisis situations, the Access and Assessment Center serves as the central point of contact for the KCMH System of Care. Please call (661) 868-8123.
Access: Initial screenings are provided to adults. The Access and Assessment Center provides assistance identifying and accessing community services, and provides system of care referrals to determine proper service placement.
Assessment: The Access and Assessment Center is designed to evaluate the needs of adult individuals through completion of a psychosocial assessment. Assessment results produce individualized recommendations addressing the individual's needs for the most appropriate treatment provider, either within or outside of the system of care.
Routine screenings and assessments for minors are not provided at Mary K. Shell Mental Health Center. For information about how to access non-emergency mental health services for minors, call the Crisis Hotline at 1-800-991-5272. For more information, click .

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Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, KernBHRS only has certain sites open to provide essential behavioral health and substance use services to Kern County. Our Crisis Hotline will remain fully staffed and available 24/7 at 1-800-991-5272. Immediate behavioral health services are available at the Mary K.

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Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault 

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Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault 

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In home/clinical services

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Community Resources - Bakersfield - Behavior Frontiers

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The Bakersfield Homeless Center creates a strong safety net for homeless and at-risk families by providing a broad continuum of services which begins with basic shelter.

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Homeless and safe shelter

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The Mission at Kern County provides the following for over 200 homeless men on a daily basis:

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Parenting tips
Educator support
Links

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KCNC is the child abuse prevention council and coordinating council for child and family services throughout Kern County. The planning, oversight, and evaluation of Kern's child abuse prevention services are key roles. Funded services include parent education and counseling, and Differential Response (DR) services. DR is an approach used nationally that expands the ability of child welfare agencies to respond differently to reports of child abuse and neglect. Its focus includes a broader set of responses for working with families at the first signs of trouble, preventing the need for formal intervention services in the future. DR services are available countywide to families referred by Child Protective Services. The prevention of child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. It can be a matter of life or death.

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Child Abuse Prevention | Kern County Superintendent of Schools - Office of Mary C. Barlow

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KCNC is the child abuse prevention council and coordinating council for child and family services throughout Kern County. The planning, oversight, and evaluation of Kern's child abuse prevention services are key roles. Funded services include parent education and counseling, and Differential Response (DR) services.

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Legal Support and victim support

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The Kern County Family Justice Center (FJC) is a unique and safe place where victims of domestic violence and their children are our highest priority. Through collaboration and coordinated services, the FJC and its partners are committed to providing the help needed to break the cycle of violence that so often damages and destroys families.

The Kern County Family Justice Center imagines a future in which all needs of victims are met, children are protected, violence fades, batterers are held accountable, and families heal and thrive. Our goal is to work together to support and empower victims so they understand that love shouldn't hurt and they deserve a life free from abuse.

The Department of Justice has recognized Family Justice Centers as a best practice model for domestic violence intervention. The first Family Justice Center opened in San Diego, California in 2002. Since then, there are now over 130 Family Justice Centers in the United States and approximately 17 in California.

Some of the services that will be provided at the Kern County Family Justice Center include: advocacy, case management, restraining orders, counseling, legal assistance, Cal/Works and Cash Aid, law enforcement and prosecution, immigration assistance, safety planning, and child support services.

Our community partners include: Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County Sheriff's Department, Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Child Support Services, Dress for Success, Kern County Probation, and more.

If you would like to learn more about the Family Justice Center Project or how you can help, please feel free to contact us:

Phone: (661) 868-8410
Address: 2101 Oak Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301

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The Kern County Family Justice Center (FJC) is a unique and safe place where victims of domestic violence and their children are our highest priority. Through collaboration and coordinated services, the FJC and its partners are committed to providing the help needed to break the cycle of violence that so often damages and destroys families.

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In 2016, The Food Research Action Center (FRAC) ranked Bakersfield, the largest city in Kern County, as the number one food hardship area in America. Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank was established in 1983 to acquire food and other resources to help alleviate hunger, provide food, and meet the nutritional needs of these economically disadvantaged in Kern County. The Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually to hungry individuals, families, non-profits, churches, community centers, homeless shelters, and poverty-fighting agencies throughout Kern County. Fifty-four percent of those served by the Food Bank are children.

To Drop Off Food or Monetary Donations

The Food Bank office business hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. The warehouse accepts food donations and drop-offs between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.

* The CAPK Food Bank is located at 1807 Feliz Drive in Bakersfield, HOWEVER, Googling or Map Questing this address will get you lost. Please use this map instead.

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In 2016, The Food Research Action Center (FRAC) ranked Bakersfield, the largest city in Kern County, as the number one food hardship area in America. Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank was established in 1983 to acquire food and other resources to help alleviate hunger, provide food, and meet the nutritional needs of these [...]

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Join CAPK WIC Today!

The Women, Infants, and Children Program, also known as WIC, is a nutrition education program. WIC helps pregnant women, women who just had a baby, and children up to age 5 eat well, be active, and stay healthy. WIC welcomes dads, grandparents, foster parents, or guardians who care for eligible children. WIC services are provided at no cost to you.

Newly pregnant women, including military and migrant families, are encouraged to apply!

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The Women, Infants, and Children Program, also known as WIC, is a nutrition education program. WIC helps pregnant women, women who just had a baby, and children up to age 5 eat well, be active, and stay healthy. WIC welcomes dads, grandparents, foster parents, or guardians who care for eligible children.

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Links and resources for families in need

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Our Mission is to help students achieve academic excellence by balancing good nutrition with physical fitness. To provide low cost, nutritious, well-balanced, and good-tasting meals so that all students will be able to learn at their best.

Bakersfield City School District Food Services manages Kern County's largest Child Nutrition Program, overseeing 22,500 lunches and 11,000 breakfasts per day plus after school snacks and summer meals.

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2020-2021 Confidential Family Survey

https://bcsd.rocketscanapps.com

Our self-supporting program has been nationally recognized by the United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA). We are the recipient of the

USDA Outstanding School Lunch Program

USDA Outstanding Summer Food Service Program Award

USDA Best Practices Award for expanding the breakfast program

USDA Best Practices Award for environmentally friendly cafeteria practices

We are a creative ensemble of talented professionals who strive to think "out of the box."

Now We're Cooking!

Click the button to the right to see the excitement at our recent "Now We're Cooking" barbecue event that was held the families of the Bakersfield School District. All of our school Wellness and Community health partners joined us in the festivities.

We showcased healthy foods and fitness tips, and our community partnership shared their services, handouts and information. Best of all, we served up a lot of good food and fun for all!

The Bakersfield City School District's Nutrition Services team is proud to announce being awarded the highest honor in school nutrition with the Gold Medals of Distinction to Harris, Hort, Frank West and Horace Mann Elementary Schools. Congratulations to Nutrition Services Department! Click to learn more...

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Our innovative and successful nutrition education activities were showcased at the 2002 State Child Nutrition Conference Best Practices Session presented by the California Nutrition Services Division. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.

Click on the Contact Us! We encourage student, staff, and parent involvement in the menu planning process. Share your suggestions, comments, or questions!

Meals, foods and beverages sold or served at schools meet states and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.

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Bakersfield City School District - School Nutrition And Fitness

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Our Mission is to help students achieve academic excellence by balancing good nutrition with physical fitness. To provide low cost, nutritious, well-balanced, and good-tasting meals so that all students will be able to learn at their best.

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Program Profile

The number of children in foster care in California has doubled in the last decade and is expected to continue rising as a result of increased and continued parental drug use. Recent studies indicate that the long term effects of maltreatment, lack of continuity of healthcare and frequent placement changes often impact the physical, emotional, and psychological development of children in foster care. As a result, pre-existing and preventable health conditions are frequently overlooked and under-treated. This results in problems growing more acute as children move from placement to placement.

Children in foster care depend on government-funded health services to respond to their often complicated, acute, and chronic health conditions. Public Health Nurses work in Child Welfare Agencies in conjunction with the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) to address mental, physical, and emotional healthcare needs that impact children in foster care in California.

These nurses work in collaboration with Department of Human Services Social Workers and Probation Officers to assist in the development and implementation of health service plans for children residing with Resource Families or living in group homes. Statewide, counties have found Public Health Nurses to be helpful and beneficial in improving outcomes for children in foster care.

Did You Know?

Currently there are over 3000 children foster care in Kern County, with approximately 225 on Probation.

40-60% of children in foster care have chronic medical conditions such as asthma, cognitive abnormalities, visual and auditory problems, dental decay, and poor nutrition.

Lack of adequate medical records may often result in either over or under-immunization and over or under-treatment of chronic health conditions of children in foster care.

Children in foster care require and use health services more than other children and are more highly represented in specialty clinics such as neurology and psychiatry in response to their overwhelming and complex needs.

Children in foster care rarely enter the system with useful health records or mental health histories; confidentiality issues, bureaucratic requirements, or limited parental knowledge and unavailability, restrict access to full documentation.

Approximately 40-72% of children in foster care require ongoing medical treatment, and studies indicate that 50-60% have moderate to severe mental health problems.

The foster care Public Health Nurses work toward preventing disease and disability, improving health outcomes and building a healthier Kern County.

Additional Facts

Nationally there are over 500,000 children in foster care; California ranks among the highest with approximately 100,000 children in foster care.

Children in foster care range from newborns to adolescents and include all ethnicities and races.

The Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care [HCPCFC] is a collaborative effort between the Kern County Department of Public Health and the Department of Human Services to ensure timely, high quality, consistent healthcare for all children in Kern County.

Profile of Public Health Nurses Working With Children in Foster Care

Advocate for the healthcare needs of children in foster care.

Participate with the assessment providers or center in developing a healthcare plan.

Assist Resource Parents in obtaining timely, comprehensive care for the children in their care.

Expedite timely referrals for medical, dental, and mental health services.

Follow children placed out-of-county to ensure access to necessary services.

Serve as a resource to facilitate referral to early intervention providers, specialty providers, dentists, mental health providers, and other community based programs.

Oversee the creation and updating of the Health and Education Passport as required by law.

Interpret medical reports for social workers, Resource Parents, and the courts.

Educate social workers, judges, Resource Parents, school nurses and others in the community about the unique and growing healthcare needs of children in foster care.

Additional Information

For more information about the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care in Kern County, please contact the Foster Care Public Health Nurses at:

The Health Unit
Department of Human Services
O.C. Sills Building, Room 220
100 East California Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6835

Kern County Department of Public Health
1800 Mount Vernon Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Emergency Response Public Health Nursing Brochure Foster Care Public Health Nursing Brochure

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Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care

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The number of children in foster care in California has doubled in the last decade and is expected to continue rising as a result of increased and continued parental drug use. Recent studies indicate that the long term effects of maltreatment, lack of continuity of healthcare and frequent placement changes often impact the physical, emotional, and psychological development of children in foster care.

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Training and Support for Foster Families 

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Training and Support for Foster Families 

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Group home for foster youth

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In 1981, the A. Miriam Jamison Children's Center was established in response to the growing number of reported child abuse cases in Kern County.

The Jamison Children's Center is a 24-hour Temporary Shelter Care Facility, operated by the Human Services Department of Kern County. As the only emergency shelter in Kern County for abused, neglected and exploited children, Jamison Children's Center temporarily houses children who are taken into protective custody by law enforcement agencies or social workers. Children come to Jamison Children's Center from all backgrounds and walks of life.

A. Miriam Jamison Children's Center (license #157806098)
1010 Shalimar Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Telephone: (661) 334-3500
Fax: (661) 366-6591

Every month, more than 100 children are cared for at Jamison Children's Center. The children are provided the basic living essentials: food, clothing, shelter, education and health care. The center also provides a dedicated, hardworking staff of teachers, mental health counselors, group counselors, medical professionals and other staff to replace the children's fear with hope, and a sense of security.

The majority of children taken in by the Jamison Children's Center are under age 12. The average length of stay at the center is three days. Some children remain for longer periods of time. Children from infancy to 5 years old stay at the center no longer than six hours, requiring Human Services to constantly promote recruitment efforts for foster care homes.

Every day foster care homes are needed for:

Long-term Foster Care (all ages)

Emergency Foster Care (newborn - 17 years)

Sibling Groups

Medically Fragile Children

Substance-exposed Infants

Teenage Mothers and their Infants

For more foster care information call (661) 631-6204.

Vision Statement

"To provide children who need emergency shelter and protection a safe, warm and nurturing environment."

Mission Statement

"Provide the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of Kern County a temporary, safe haven where their needs can be met."

Assist the children with their personal care, education and recreational needs

Assure that each child receives medical, dental, or mental health care when necessary

Identify each child's unique needs and locate appropriate resources to meet them

Assist the child's social worker in developing the best placement option for each child, whether it be reunification with the family or an alternative placement

Provide child welfare staff appropriate information that is descriptive of the child's current physical, emotional and health status

Promote the child's growth and well-being by providing programs that promote self-esteem, self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment

Partnerships & Collaborations

Partners collaborate to provide seamless services to meet the needs of children. Human Services partners with various agencies and community-based organizations to coordinate an immediate response in providing a protective environment for every child.

Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Two Full-time Teachers

One Substitute Teacher

Two Instructional Aides

Kern County Mental Health Care

Crisis Intervention

Mental Health Evaluations

Mental Health Counseling

Follow-up Services with foster parents and/or parents to ensure the continuation of a child's care

Kern Medical

The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program provides physical and dental exams.

Jess Diamond Child Assessment Center

An on-site multi-disciplinary center, designed to decrease the trauma experienced by a victimized child.

Human Services - Child Protective Services

County Counsel of Kern

Forensic Interviewers

District Attorney's Office

Kern County Sheriff's Office

Bakersfield Police Department

Kern Medical

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Victim Witness/Kern County District Attorney

Volunteers & Community Support

Although Jamison Children's Center is funded through a county tax supported budget, government revenue is decreasing at a time when reported cases of child abuse continue to rise. Generous contributions of items by the people of Kern County assure the needs of children at Jamison Children's Center are met.

Volunteer Support
Opportunities to make a difference in a child's life exist for business and civic groups willing to donate their time and effort to take on a special project to benefit the Jamison Children's Center.

Community Support
The Jamison Children's Center receives support from the community throughout the year. Donations of "gently used" children's clothing and shoes are always welcome. We also accept new undergarments, toys, and games.

For more information call (661) 334-3500.

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Kern County, CA - Department of Human Services

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In 1981, the A. Miriam Jamison Children's Center was established in response to the growing number of reported child abuse cases in Kern County. The Jamison Children's Center is a 24-hour Temporary Shelter Care Facility, operated by the Human Services Department of Kern County.

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MEDI CAL

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In Kern County, two Health Plans are available for those who qualify. These two Health Plans, Health Net and Kern Family Healthcare, make available primary care physicians, specialist, hospitals, and other medical professionals for you and your family's health care needs. It is important that you attend a Health Care Options presentation to receive more information regarding your Medi-Cal benefits.

California Health Care Options (HCO) Presentations are educational and informational sessions offered to Medi-Cal eligible persons at the local County welfare offices throughout Kern County. They provide the tools with which to make an informed decision about how you want to receive your Medi-Cal benefits.

No appointment is necessary and all services are free. Medi-Cal participants and applicants may be referred by County Eligibility workers, by the HCO Call Center (1-800-430-4263), by the informing packet materials they receive in the mail, or you can just walk-in and ask for the Health Care Option representative. Customer service is available to answer questions, assist with the paperwork or accept enrollment/ disenrollment forms.

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Kern County, CA - Department of Human Services

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In Kern County, two Health Plans are available for those who qualify. These two Health Plans, Health Net and Kern Family Healthcare, make available primary care physicians, specialist, hospitals, and other medical professionals for you and your family's health care needs.

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Low Income Medical Services Kern County 

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Low Income Medical Services Kern County 

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Kern Medical Wellness Program - Kern Medical

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Kern Medical's Wellness Program is designed to make health care available and affordable to uninsured Kern County residents. The Kern... Read More

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PBIS

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PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports. PBIS is not a program, rather it is a " systems approach" for establishing the social culture and individualized behavior supports needed for schools to achieve both social and academic success for ALL students. Evidence based features include:

Define expectations and explicit instruction of those behavior/social expectations (develop logical and consistent consequences for problem behavior and couple with intervention/supports)

Acknowledgement of positive behavior

Ongoing collection and use of data for decision making

Administrative Leadership/Structures (coordination of services and alignment of systems) and focused on a student experience that is predictable, positive, safe, and consistent

We believe that all core instruction (and intervention and supports) start in the general education classroom setting usually, and the counselors, faculty, and teachers in KHSD are amazing! We think that all students can learn and that all educators want to make a difference. In addition, KHSD believes that most students will succeed when a positive school culture is promoted, informative corrective feedback is provided, academic success is maximized, and use of pro-social skills is acknowledged.

When student problem behavior is unresponsive to preventive school-wide and classroom-wide procedures, information about the student's behavior is used to:

understand why the problem behavior is occurring (function);

strengthen more acceptable alternative behaviors (social skills);

remove antecedents and consequences that trigger and maintain problem behavior, respectively; and

add antecedents and consequences that trigger and maintain acceptable alternative behaviors.

WE accept learning as the fundamental purpose of our school and therefore are willing to examine all practices in light of their impact on learning

WE are committed to working together to achieve our collective purpose. We cultivate a collaborative culture through development of high-performing teams

WE assess our effectiveness on the basis of results rather than only intentions. Individuals, teams, and schools seek relevant data and information and use that data/information to promote ongoing and continuous improvement

PBIS is based on principles of applied behavior analysis and the prevention approach and values of positive behavior support. PBIS emphasizes the establishment of organizational supports or systems that give school personnel capacity to use effective interventions accurately and successfully at the school, district, and state levels. These supports in the Kern High School District include:

(a) team-based leadership,

(b) data-based decision making,

(c) continuous monitoring of student behavior,

(d) regular universal screening, and

(e) effective on-going professional development.

The logic, tenets, and principles of PBIS are similar to those represented in RtI (e.g., universal screening, continuous progress monitoring, data-based decision making, implementation fidelity, evidence based interventions). Literacy and numeracy implementation frameworks are examples of the application of RtI for academic behavior, and PBIS is an example of the application of RtI for social behavior. Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support systems need to be integrated with academic support systems (along with behavior). Academic failure is a major predictor of inappropriate behavior and other adjustment problems and needs to be explicitly and consistently addressed as part of an effective and comprehensive school program. As such, schools need to be accountable for improved student behavior in the same manner as they are for student achievement. Safe, effective, and supportive schools utilize ongoing school improvement processes to set measurable goals and objectives, and integrate interventions into school and district accountability and planning systems.

Academic and behavioral supports are based on the intensity of the student's needs.

Supports are available at the universal (all students), selective (some students), and intensive (a few students) levels.

Each intervention has a written protocol for implementation, either from a published curriculum or a locally designed program.

A student's response to intervention is used as the basis for changing, modifying, or intensifying academic and behavioral supports. Assessing response to intervention involves the regular use of data systems that are simple, reliable, and linked directly to decisions about instruction or behavioral support.

Evidence-based practices are used for selecting the supports that will be used and for evaluating whether an intervention is effective and implemented with high fidelity.

Schools should screen all children for behavioral adjustment on a schedule similar to that used for academic screening such as reading fluency assessments. Methods can include multiple teacher nominations and rating systems and regular review of office discipline referral patterns.

Once a student is identified to receive supports beyond the universal, schoolwide system then a process of regular progress monitoring needs to be established with clear decision points. These may include regular teacher ratings, points or ratings on a student self-management checklist or point card, or direct observation data.

When school and classroom prevention and intervention programs are effective, they:

begin early in childhood;

are comprehensive in nature (they address multiple risk and protective factors);

involve increasing positive interactions between adults and children;

directly teach new skills (provide practice); and,.

are offered continuously and consistently through all the years of schooling.

The coordination and training, coaching, resources, and evaluation to support the implementation of MTSS through shared decision-making by a group of individuals who represent the school, district, and community (e.g. students, family members, general and special educators, specialists, etc.).

Data-based Problem Solving and Decision Making

The process used by stakeholder teams from multiple settings (e.g. home, school, community), to analyze and evaluate information related to planning and implementing effective instructional strategies matched to student need.

Layered Continuum of Supports

Culturally- and developmentally-relevant practices, that are layered from universal (every student) to targeted (some students) to intensive (few students), in order to support the academic and behavioral needs of every student.

Evidence-based Instruction, Intervention and Assessment Practices

Teaching and learning approaches proven to be effective through scientifically-based research studies which are used to guide educational decisions to ensure improved outcomes for students.
KHSD Hanbook - Tier 1-3 - PBIS-MTSS
The Kern High School District's Handbook, Tier 1-3 for PBIS-MTSS, is a resource that is used by our school sites to help guide the implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) and MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) for our students. School administrators, school staff, and school climate teams use this information as a framework to help guide the development and refinement of structures and process on their campuses. The Handbook also provides numerous resources and sample documents. KHSD staff will review and update the Handbook to reflect new information, data analysis, and updated resources, when necessary.

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PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports. PBIS is not a program, rather it is a " systems approach" for establishing the social culture and individualized behavior supports needed for schools to achieve both social and academic success for ALL students.

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What Is Child Abuse?

Child abuse happens when someone caring for a child hurts a child's feelings or body. It can happen to boys or girls in any family. Often, hurt feelings (or emotional trauma) last long after a hurt body has healed.

Knowing the dangers of abuse and what to do if you suspect it is key to keeping all children safe.

What Are the Types of Child Abuse?

Physical abuse is when a child's body has been hurt. Hitting hard with a hand or an object like a belt can leave bruises or cuts and cause pain. Shaking, pushing, choking, punching, painful grabbing, and kicking also can be physical abuse.

Sexual abuse is sexual contact (like sexual acts) or non-contact sexual activities (like taking or sharing sexual photos and sexual talk) between:

an adult and someone younger than 18

an older child or teen and a much younger child

one person who has power over another, no matter their ages

Most cases of sexual abuse involve a close trusted adult or family member who abuses the child's trust. Often, the child is pressured or talked into the activity, offered gifts, or asked to keep secrets, not physically forced into it.

Neglect is when an adult doesn't do what is needed to take care of a child. This means not giving the child enough:

food, housing or clothing

medical care

supervision

attention (called emotional neglect, when a child is ignored)

education/schooling

Emotional abuse (or psychological abuse) happens when adults caring for a child judge, threaten, put down or reject kids or teens, withholding love so the child feels bad about themselves or worthless.

Substance abuse, when adults use drugs or too much alcohol, can put a child in danger. It can cause adults to neglect, physically, sexually, or emotional hurt a child. When adults use drugs or overuse alcohol around a child, many state laws say this is child abuse, even if no one neglected or physically hurt the child.

In some states, it's child abuse if:

adults let a child drink alcohol or take illegal drugs

adults make, take, or sell illegal drugs in the presence of a child

a woman uses illegal drugs while pregnant

Medical child abuse is when adult caregivers harm a child with too much medical care, such as medicines, appointments, surgeries, or lab tests that are not needed.

Who Causes Child Abuse?

There is not one type of person who causes child abuse. Most of the time a child knows the abuser well. Sometimes people who abuse children were abused when they were children.

Sometimes, people who abuse kids can show some signs. For example, parents who abuse their children may:

Always talk negatively about the child or call the child worthless.

Try to keep the child away from others.

Have a hard time talking about their children's injuries or behavioral problems.

Show little concern or affection for the child.

What Are the Signs of Child Abuse?

Kids and teens often have a hard time speaking up about abuse. So knowing the signs of child abuse can help.

Kids who are being abused might:

have frequent bruises, especially in places kids don't usually get bruises from play

have stories to explain injuries that don't make sense or keep changing

not want to go home

avoid being with the abuser

avoid being with others

show signs of emotional trauma, like fear, anger, or trouble relating to or trusting others

be sad or depressed

bully others

hurt themselves, like cutting

have nightmares or trouble sleeping

act out in class, have trouble paying attention, or be hyperactive

Kids who see abuse (but are not the victims themselves) or see violence between adults caring for them sometimes show similar signs.

These signs don't always point to abuse. Kids going through stressful times - like their parents' separation or divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one - also might be sad, angry, or withdrawn. But if physical signs (like bruises) happen along with behavior problems, that's a stronger sign of abuse.

What Should I Do if I Suspect Child Abuse?

If you think a child is being abused or a child tells you about abuse, contact your local:

child protective services agency

police

hospital

You also can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). You don't have to give your name.

You might not be sure of the abuse, but having a concern is enough. The authorities will look into things and find out if abuse is happening. It is better to report and have no abuse found than to not act on your concern while a child continues to be hurt.

Never threaten a person or take the law into your own hands. Let the legal system do its work.

If you are worried that you might hurt a child in your care, make sure the child is somewhere safe, and then speak with a friend, relative, or health care professional. You also can contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). You might just need someone to talk to or you may want to seek counseling.

What Else Should I Know?

Not all suspicions of child abuse turn out to be true. But all deserve serious attention and fast action.

The earlier abuse is identified and stopped, the earlier medical care, therapy, and counseling can help children and families heal.

So if you suspect abuse, speak up. If a child tells you about abuse, take it seriously. All children deserve to be heard, protected, and helped.

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Child abuse - whether it's physical, sexual, emotional, medical, or another type - can harm kids in many ways. Learn how to spot the signs of child abuse.