Original article by Victoria Rodgers, Kern Sol News. Published: April 14, 2026, at southkernsol.org
Clinica Sierra Vista’s (CSV) Differential Response Program was recently highlighted in Kern Sol News, in collaboration with the Kern County Network for Children, showcasing how local partnerships are transforming child welfare through early, compassionate intervention. The story features Carrie Eveland, Program Director at CSV, alongside Yadira Vargas, Child and Family Services Facilitator with the Kern County Network for Children, highlighting the collaborative approach driving the program’s success.
A New Approach to Supporting Families
The Differential Response program offers an alternative to traditional Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations for families experiencing lower-risk concerns. Instead of punitive measures, the model focuses on voluntary participation, connecting families to resources like housing support, food access, mental health services, and parenting education. Through partnerships with the Kern County Network for Children and Kern County Department of Human Services, the program addresses root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to care.
Local Impact Through Partnership
CSV operates the program across six sites with approximately 30 case managers providing in-home, hands-on support. This coordinated effort, reflected in the perspectives of both Eveland and Vargas, ensures families receive consistent, community-based care focused on stability and long-term well-being.
“We can offer these families this voluntary program to help them improve their family functioning so that they don’t need any future CPS involvement.”
– Carrie Eveland, Program Director at Clinica Sierra Vista
Clinica Sierra Vista is proud of Carrie Eveland and Yadira Vargas for their leadership and dedication to supporting families across Kern County, and for helping shine a light on the impact of collaborative, community-based care.
About our Differential Response Program
Clinica Sierra Vista’s Differential Response program provides voluntary, family-centered support designed to strengthen households before crises occur. Through in-home visits, case management, and community partnerships, the program addresses root causes of instability while promoting safe, nurturing environments for children. By focusing on prevention and trust-building, CSV helps families build long-term resilience and reduce future involvement with the child welfare system.
About our Adolescent Family Life Program
AFLP provides case management and a youth development curriculum to pregnant and parenting teens, as well as their children. Our goals are to reduce repeat adolescent births, enhance education and vocational skills, improve health for parents and children, and build support networks for youth.
