Programs
Differential Response Program

Differential Response Program

An approach to child support that focuses on expanding the abilities of child welfare agencies in their responses, Differential Response allows for innovation in treating child abuse and neglect. The program provides new avenues for supporting children and families in need.

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Differential Response Program

About the Program

Differential Response (DR) is a program that helps support families who have been referred from Child Protective Services (CPS). It is a short-term program of about 3-6 months that includes home visiting case management for families with children 0-18 years old. DR home visitors are trained to help families overcome struggles so children are in a safer home environment and the family can succeed and thrive. DR services are provided in every part of Kern County through smaller offices operated from two main hubs in Ridgecrest and Bakersfield.

For Central Kern County, please contact our Central Kern AFS Hub in Bakersfield at (661) 324-0293. For East Kern County, please contact our Eastern Kern AFS Hub in Ridgecrest at (760) 375-4357.

Two CSV heroes shared their inspiring stories on the podcast “Heartbeat of Human Services.”

Kandi Smith and Shannon Stephens courageously discussed their journeys of overcoming addiction and family reunification. Now they dedicate their careers to helping other families in East Kern County heal and thrive through our Adolescent & Family Services and Parents as Teachers programs.

Their episode “It’s Never Too Late or Too Soon” is a powerful reminder that recovery and reunification are possible with the right support. Listen and be inspired.

Discover more and hear their story ➜

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Program Objectives

  • At least 80% of interns complete program/degree requirements within 13.5 months (150% of planned program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 100% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • 80% of employers, who return surveys, rate graduates as “satisfactory” or “excellent” for ability to work effectively with multicultural populations from diverse backgrounds.
  • 90% of program graduates work as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in community nutrition.
  • 90% of graduates work in Central Valley community programs for at least two years after graduation.

Do I Qualify for WIC?

WIC is a program that helps families with food and nutrition. Call us at (661) 862-5422 or send a message, and we’ll help you see if you qualify.

Here are some ways you might qualify:

  • You are pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding a baby who is less than one year old
  • You had a baby in the last six months
  • You have a child who is under the age of five
  • You experienced a loss of pregnancy or had a termination

You also need to think about your family’s income. Here are the monthly income limits for family sizes:

  • 1 Person: $2,413
  • 2 Persons: $3,261
  • 3 Persons: $4,109
  • 4 Persons: $4,957
  • 5 Persons: $5,805
  • More than 5 Persons: Add $848 for each additional member

This income limit is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and these amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Also, if you’re pregnant, the baby counts as part of your family size when figuring out if you qualify.

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Need care right away? Our health centers offer same-day appointments, and our walk-in clinics also offer extended hours. Whether you schedule ahead or stop by, we’re here to deliver fast, high-quality care when and where you need it.

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We make it easy to choose the clinic that works best for you. Keep in mind that your preferred location may mean seeing a different provider. Either way, you’ll receive compassionate, expert care from our trusted team, no matter which clinic you visit.

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Our providers work across multiple clinics to make care accessible, so their location may vary based on availability. No matter where you’re seen, you can trust our dedicated team to deliver the high-quality care you deserve.

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