Resource and Referral offers a variety of child care resources to the community, such as child care referrals, resources for assessing the quality of child care services, workshops, and a lending library that offers age-appropriate activities, toys and parenting resources.
Three free programs: Mommy and Me and My Parents & Me groups for ages 3-17 months. Workshop for New Dads where fathers-to-be learn baby-care basics from veteran dads. And, classes and support groups for women who plan to breastfed or are breastfeeding. No cost. English and Spanish.
Professional, cost-effective services, including Solutions for Parents program: the establishment and enforcement of child support orders through exclusive enforcement tools, establishment of legal paternity through genetic testing, and complete account maintenance.
Special monthly events provide parents with important resources to help them stay on track of their child’s healthy development, such as monthly Baby Steps through the City, Way-to-Play Days and Good To Go Parent Workshops.
Boot Camps for new dads and new moms offer a great form of support to chat with veteran (new) parents who answer questions, address concerns, and share how they and their families are tackling common issues faced by new parents.
A lactation consultant is available to assist you with getting started with breastfeeding and navigate through any challenges that you may be facing. During your visit, you will receive individualized attention with your baby as your child is weighed, your technique is assessed, and your questions are answered. Breastfeeding Clinics are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Doulas are trained professionals who provide physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. The websites listed offer resources to find a doula in your area.
Support programs for gay fathers and lesbian mothers, as well as for LGBTQ youth and their families.
A web resource that offers links to local parent support groups. Enter your zip code along with a search such as “Dad Support Group,” “Mom Support Group” or “Parent Support Group.”
MOM’s Club groups offer playgroups, babysitting coops, moms’ night outs and holiday parties. Activities are specifically geared for the moms, and often share interests like cooking, couponing, crafts, outings, books and exercise. Find a chapter near you on the website, or learn how to start one of your own.
MOMS Orange County offers home visits and group classes to promote healthier mothers and babies. Under nurse supervision home visitors deliver access to prenatal care, health screenings, health education, infant development screenings, and resource referral services beginning in early pregnancy and through baby’s first birthday. In classes health educators engage and equip mothers and their partners with the knowledge and skills needed for each stage of pregnancy and during the early development of their infant.
MOPS groups give mothers a chance to connect with other moms, while their kids have the opportunity to make new friends. Groups are organized for those expecting, or with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. School-age programs are available through MOMSnext. This group is designed for moms with older kids who still seek connection and community.
Provides information and resources, plus meet-up groups for mothers of multiples.
Postnatal education and support groups are organized by your baby’s birth month so you can meet other moms in the same exact phase. Visit their site for class schedule and pricing.
Parents Without Partners provides single parents and their children an environment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques. For the minor children of single parents, it offers them the opportunity to meet peers living within the same family structure and thriving.
Most districts offer adult schools that provide parent education and/or resource centers that offer classes, programs and materials for parents and families. Call your local district for referrals.
The following organizations offer help and support for kids and teens who are loosing or have lost a loved one.