Be a friend to a child in crisis.

Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery

The Yolo Crisis Nursery

The Yolo Crisis Nursery, a program of FamiliesFirst, opened in 2001 to protect the youngest, most vulnerable children from abuse and neglect when their parents or caregivers are in emergency situations and need a safe, nurturing place for their children while resolving their crisis. The Nursery depends on community support.

 

Instances of child abuse or neglect significantly increase when caregivers experience high levels of stress without resources, support or relief. According to recent data from the Child Welfare League of America, every day nearly four children die because of abuse and neglect. 1400 such deaths occurred in 2002. Children younger than one year accounted for 41.2% of these fatalities and 76.1% of the children who died were younger than 4 years. According to the Comprehensive Children’s Report in 2002, in Yolo County alone, there were 3,478 reports of child abuse and neglect.

 

Who can use the services of the Yolo Crisis Nursery?

The Yolo Crisis Nursery provides services to families with young children (under 6 years old), who are experiencing life crises or high levels of stress.

 

What is the fee for these services?

Yolo Crisis Nursery program provides services at no cost for eligible families.

 

What happens at the Yolo Crisis Nursery?

When the parent/caregiver calls the Nursery, he or she will speak with an intake worker, who will help determine the family’s immediate needs. The Nursery provides overnight and day care, in a caring and nurturing family-like home in Yolo County. Experienced staff provide respite care for children, who may stay at the Nursery for as little as a few hours or up to 30 days, depending on the individual situation. While at the Nursery, children receive individual attention, nutritious meals as well as access to medical and dental care. They engage in educational and developmentally appropriate play and activities. Parents are provided with resources and support to resolve their crisis, strengthen their parenting skills and provide a safe home for their children. Upon discharge, the Nursery follows-up with parents/caregivers ensuring the family is utilizing community services on their own. Parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to call the Nursery Case Manager for finding additional support, services and resources.

 

Other Yolo Crisis Nursery Services Available include the following:

· Transportation arrangements

· Assessment referrals for the children

· Parenting strategies & support

· Nutritional advice

· Problem-solving assistance

· Support networks

Who’s involved in the Yolo Crisis Nursery?

Crisis Nurseries in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer and Nevada Counties have formed an alliance called the Regional Crisis Nursery Collaboration (RCNC). The mission of this group is to prevent child abuse and neglect through the development, operation and sustainability of crisis nurseries that provide voluntary support to parents at a time of crisis through short-term residential care for their children.  FamiliesFirst graciously accepted the challenge to provide these services in Yolo County. To encourage community participation, the Yolo Crisis Nursery Advisory Group was formed, which includes several social service organizations, community services groups and concerned community members. In 2002, the Friends of the Yolo Crisis Nursery was established to raise funds and community awareness.

What is the Crisis Nursery?