The Children’s System of Care provides mental health and substance use services and resources to children experiencing behavioral health problems, which may lead to disruptions at home, school or in the community. The goal of treatment is to restore hope and healing with each child and their family.

Access to Services

The Children’s System of Care, including contracted Medi-cal providers, provides mental health and substance abuse services and resources necessary to promote wellness and recovery for Kern County children and their families. Families will meet with a behavioral health professional who will provide options that will best support the child and their family. All services are client-centered, racially and culturally appropriate, flexible, with a focus on individual/family’s strengths, to promote positive peer and professional relationships, and incorporate each individual/family’s natural support system within the treatment process.

Services

• Mental health and diagnostic assessments
• Individual and/or therapy
• School-based rehabilitation services
• Crisis intervention services
• Case management
• Community-based services
• Skill building
• CSEC (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children) Services
• Therapeutic behavioral services
• Substance use treatment
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Referrals and coordinated care with other agencies and resources

If you need immediate care for a child, contact our 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 1-800-991-5272.

State Performance Outcomes Report

The Performance Outcomes System will be used to evaluate the domains of access, engagement, service appropriateness to need, service effectiveness, linkages, cost effectiveness and satisfaction. Further information on the Performance Measures System implementation is available on the DHCS website. For more information, please view the current version of the Kern County Outcome Report. 

Find Children's Services Near You

Use the map below to find service locations near you.

Audio and Paper Handbooks Available

• Mental Health Beneficiary Handbook (Audio - English)
• Mental Health Beneficiary Handbook (Audio - Spanish/Versión de Audio)

Paper formats of these documents are available without charge upon request. Please call 1 (800) 991-5272 to request copies. Requests will be processed within (five) business days.

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