Health & Human services

Strengthening Families Programs

The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of family support programs. The mission of the Strengthening Families Programs is to empower and enhance family functioning in the community while ensuring child safety and welfare. Since its inception in 1994, the programs have touched the lives of thousands of Long Beach families.

Ronald R. Arias Health Equity Center 
6335 Myrtle Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90805

PHONE (562) 570-3300
FAX (562) 570-3306

FUNDAMENTALS OF FATHERHOOD PROGRAM

The program works to improve father child bonding, co-parenting, economic stability and mobility. It offers Life Coaching, the Nurturing Fathers parenting program in 10 weekly sessions and employment development. Our employment services are available not only to our fathers, but also their partners and adult children. Fathers that can attend program services and activities in Long Beach and reside in Service Planning Area 8 are welcomed to enroll. We also offer a twice-monthly support group, open to all fathers and father-figures, called the Fatherhood in Action Network which allows a space for fathers to get support and build community. All services are FREE and offered in English and Spanish.

Benefits of the Program

• Improve child father bonding and co-parenting
• Improve economic and financial stability
• Increase sense of community

For more information, visit the Fundamentals of Fatherhood webpage. 

FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM

The Family Preservation Program provides family support to families referred from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Family Preservation is designed to strengthen and preserve families whose children are at risk of placement in out-of-home care. Services include weekly in-home visitation, parenting classes, and support groups, youth groups, services to LGBT youth, counseling, job training services, mental health, educational and extensive linkages to community services. To participate, families must be referred directly by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or the Probation Department. Families may receive services for six months to one year. The Family Preservation Program serves approximately 200 families and 600 children/youth served annually.

Each family is assigned to a Case Manager/In-Home Outreach Counselor, who coordinates comprehensive, individualized services for family members. Each family participates in:

• In-Home Outreach Counseling - a weekly, one-hour home visit for which all family members must be present. The sessions provide comprehensive assessment, case management, linkages to services, counseling, monitoring of child safety and participation in services, and crisis intervention.
• MCPC Meetings - Multidisciplinary Case Planning Committee (MCPC) meetings, which take place every 60-75 days. The meetings are attended by the family, the referring DCFS Children's Social Worker or Probation Officer, and Family Preservation Program staff. The committee works together to develop a service plan and monitor progress in the program.

Based on family and individual needs, participants may also receive:

• Teaching and Demonstration (T&D) Services - Home-based life skills training on issues including home safety, cleaning, budgeting, and meal preparation. Substitute Adult Role Model (SARM) Services - Mentoring services for youth, aimed at fostering positive behavior and academic improvement.
• Parenting Training - weekly group parenting classes and support groups. Mental Health Services - Individual and/or family counseling services.
• Linkages to Other Community Services - including job training/employment services, alcohol and drug treatment, developmental services, housing assistance, and child care.