Community Resources

School and SARB personnel depend on the accessibility of community resources when working to resolve school attendance or behavior problems. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of resources provides for easy access to the information needed. School and SARB members may need to work with the county SARB or county office of education personnel to compile a comprehensive inventory of resources.

California Education Code Section 48322 states that county SARBs may encourage local SARBs to maintain a continuing inventory of community resources, including alternative education programs, and to make recommendations for the improvement of such resources and programs, or for the creation of new resources and programs where none exist. It is helpful to have a list of community resources available at SARB meetings. These resources vary from area to area, but generally can be categorized according to the following topics:

• Child abuse/neglect and prevention
• Counseling and mental health services and programs
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention and intervention
• Homeless service
• Youth groups and activities
• Services for high-risk youth
• Teen pregnancy services
• Gang intervention services
• Alternative education programs
• Health-care services
• Tutoring
• Transportation services

The list below provides information regarding professional organizations of interest to school administrators. This list is not exhaustive; inclusion does not necessarily imply endorsement.

• 211
  211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  
  
• 988 Lifeline
  Provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connects them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  
  
• Association of California School Administrators (ACSA)
  The mission of ACSA is to support California’s educational leaders; ensure all students have the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel; and champion public education.
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous^®
  Alcoholics Anonymous^®  (A.A.) is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It does not cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.
  
  
• Alternative Schools & Programs of Choice
  Provides different means of attaining the objectives of regular education and meeting students' needs; voluntary for districts, teachers, students, and their parents.
  
  
• Boys Town
  Boys Town offers a broad spectrum of child and family services, community programs, crisis services, and health/medical care.
  
  
• Breakthrough T1D Resource Library for Type 1 Diabetes
  Provides resources for navigating life with type 1 diabetes, including insurance, pregnancy, and more.
  
  
• California Aids Hotline
  Provides answers to questions about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and sexually transmitted diseases.
  
  
• California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance (CASCWA)
  CASCWA is comprised of school and community professionals dedicated to improving school climate, safety, and increasing attendance. It is a network of professional support, mentors, and educators who advocate for students, families, and schools.
  
  
• California Coalition for Youth California Youth Crisis Line
  The statewide emergency response system for youth (ages twelve to twenty-four) and families in crisis.
  
  
• California Conservation Corps
  The California Conservation Corps is a youth workforce development program dedicated to preparing young adults for meaningful careers and educational opportunities. This program is for young California adults ages eighteen through twenty-five and military veterans up to age twenty-nine.
  
  
• California Council on Problem Gambling
  Assist problem gamblers and their families by promoting awareness, education, research, prevention, and treatment for problem gambling.
  
  
• California Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA)
  CASA ensures that children and youth in the foster care system have a voice and the services they need for a stable future.
  
  
• California Department of Developmental Services Regional Centers
  Oversees the coordination and delivery of services for Californians with developmental disabilities through a statewide network of 21 community-based, non-profit agencies known as regional centers. Regional centers provide assessments, determine eligibility for services, and offer case management services. Regional centers also develop, purchase, and coordinate the services in each person’s Individual Program Plan.
  
  
• California Department of Developmental Services Resources
  Information related to health, safety, and everyday life for Californians with developmental disabilities.
  
  
• California Department of Education
  The mission of the California Department of Education is to lead and support continuous improvement of student achievement.
  
  
• California Department of Health Care Services Medi-Cal Resources
  Medi-Cal is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, persons with disabilities, foster care, pregnant women, and low income people with specific diseases such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, or human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
  
  
• California Department of Public Health
  The Department is tasked with optimizing the health and well-being of the people in California.
  
  
• California Department of Public Health Women, Infants, and Children Program
  The program helps families across the state by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to health care and other community services.
  
  
• California Department of Social Services Child Protective Services
  The major system of intervention of child abuse and neglect in California.
  
  
• California Department of Social Services Housing and Homelessness Programs
  Provides links to learn more about accessing housing and homeless services.
  
  
• California PBIS
  A network for state education leaders, county offices, school districts, and schools implementing multi-tiered frameworks through positive behavioral intervention and supports.
  
  
• California School Boards Association
  Supports school board members, superintendents, and senior administrative staff in a leadership role.
  
  
• California State PTA
  The mission is to positively impact the lives of children and families by representing, and supporting members with skills in advocacy, leadership, and communications.
  
  
• California State Library Braille and Talking Book Library
  Provides braille and audio book titles similar to what you would find at your public library. The library also offers magazines, movies, newspapers and more.
  
  
• CalWORKs
  CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance and employment-focused services to eligible families with minor children.
  
  
• Continuation Education
  Continuation education is an alternative high school diploma program. It is for students who have not graduated from high school, are still required to attend school, and who are at risk of not graduating.
  
  
• Employment Development Department Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
  Provides help to people to get the skills they need to find good jobs and start careers.
  
  
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 9 California
  FEMA helps families before, during, and after disasters.
  
  
• FEMA Ready Kids
  Ready Kids have tools and information to help before, during and after disasters.
  
  
• First 5 California Programs and Services
  Connects families to the services and support they need to give their children a healthier tomorrow.
  
  
• GED^® Testing Service California
  Provides adults with an alternative path to the traditional high school diploma.
  
  
• Head Start
  Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5 through services that support early learning and development, health, and family well-being.
  
  
• Is Independent Study Right for My Pupil?
  Information on what is required of the pupil to be successful and some of the ways in which schools offering independent study may vary.
  
  
• Job Corps
  Free education and training program to help youth of ages sixteen to twenty-four learn careers, earn a high school diplomas or equivalent, and find jobs.
  
  
• Kick It California
  A free program that helps Californians quit tobacco and nicotine with the help of proven, science-based strategies.
  
  
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline
  Report child sexual exploitation.
  
  
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children KidSmartz
  A child safety program that educates families about preventing abduction and empowers kids to practice safer behaviors.
  
  
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse.
  
  
• National Eating Disorders Association
  Supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures, and access to quality care.
  
  
• National Runaway Safeline
  Responds to youth and families in crisis, serving as the national communications system for runaway and homeless youth.
  
  
• Option Line
  Offers peer counseling and information about all pregnancy options.
  
  
• Parents Anonymous
  Parents Anonymous apply Shared Leadership^® strategies with Parents, Children, and Youth to protect and enhance the lives of anyone who has experienced unfavorable treatment or suffered a related emotional injury.
  
  
• Planned Parenthood
  Provides family planning and reproductive health care services for women, men, and teens. Provides comprehensive and age-appropriate health information and education.
  
  
• Positive Environments, Network of Trainers (PENT)
  PENT is a California Positive Behavior Initiative designed to provide information and resources for educators striving to achieve high educational outcomes using proactive positive strategies.
  
  
• Smile California
  Medi-Cal Dental is a program that provides free or low-cost dental services to eligible children and adults.
  
  
• Social Security Administration
  Administers benefits including retirement, disability, survivor, and family. Manages Supplemental Security Income, enroll people in Medicare, and issue Social Security numbers and cards.
  
  
• Schooling at Home
  Information and resources for educating children at home.
  
  
• The State Bar of California Free Legal Help
  The State Bar funds legal aid organizations throughout the state that provide legal services to Californians who have low and moderate incomes. These organizations focus on your issues, from custody and family law to disability rights.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
  Ensures equal access to education and promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.
  
  
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
  Helps people affected by, or at risk for mental health and substance use conditions receive care, achieve well-being, and thrive.

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