AmeriCorps Birth

AmeriCorps Birth & Beyond-Home Visitor

Child abuse and neglect is a major problem in Sacramento County, CA., and residents agree. Nearly 25,000 children at risk of child abuse are reported annually to Child Protective Services (CPS) and 4900 children are placed out of their homes. Young children under the age of 5 are at significantly greater risk of abuse. At particularly high risk are the 38,000 children ages 0-5 years of age residing in 9 neighborhoods in Sacramento County where data indicates that these neighborhoods account for 60% of CPS referrals, 65% of substantiated allegations and 67% of CPS child removals. Child abuse leads to higher probabilities of criminal behavior, suicide, drug use and other societal problems. Research identifies parental stressors such as isolation, poverty, lack of health and mental health resources, and limited knowledge of child development and parenting practices as underlying causes of child abuse and neglect. Parents are the most frequent perpetrators of child abuse. Neglect is the most frequently reported abuse and the most prevalent reason for removing a child from his/her home. Parents are more likely to commit child abuse when they are stressed due to being physically or emotionally isolated, lack of access to health or mental resources, face poverty or homelessness, are teen parents, are victims of domestic violence, are impacted by alcohol or drugs and have limited information on child development and parenting skills. Birth & Beyond serves as a bridge connecting parents in these 9 high risk communities to the many services they require and the individuals and resources that provide them through home visitation and family resource center programs. These programs provide parent support and parent education.

Member Duties : Home Visitors provide parenting support and education to families in their homes. A typical caseload is 10 families with pregnant women or children 0-18 years of age. Visits are structured and based on utilizing program based parenting curriculum that promotes positive parenting, enhances child health and development, and prevents child abuse. In addition, members will be required to manage and maintain client files, receive weekly supervision from their supervisor, present clients to a multi-disciplinary team, participate in community events, and attend all required trainings.

Program Benefits : Loan Forbearance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Training , Health Coverage , Living Allowance , Education award upon successful completion of service .

Terms :
Uniforms provided and required , Car recommended .

Service Areas :
Children/Youth .

Skills :
Conflict Resolution , General Skills , Team Work , Communications , Basic Computer Skills , Counseling , Social Services .