Families Together provides an alternative, voluntary and prevention-focused way for Santa Cruz County to respond to reports of abuse and neglect received by Family and Children’s Services (FCS).  Families Together is voluntary for families, and their home visiting program includes comprehensive intake and risk assessment, development of a tailored case plan, parent support and education, child development activities, and periodic assessments. Using a strengths-based approach, participating families are encouraged to identify goals and objectives that will support healthy family relationships, child health and safety, positive parenting, family literacy and school readiness.

 

Encompass Community Services is the lead agency for Families Together. Other collaborative partners, such as Family and Children’s Services (a division of the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department), County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency, and Families in Transition also play critical roles in the program.