Guide to Family Resource Centers

Children’s Bureau has been serving children and families in Southern California for over a century. We strive to prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening and promoting the well-being of children, families, and communities. One of the most vital resources we offer is our family resource centers (FRCs), which serve as community hubs for families in need.

FRCs offer a unique approach to supporting families by bringing together a team of collaborating agencies, local businesses, and community members in one neighborhood facility. Our FRCs provide comprehensive services and support to large numbers of high-risk families, with a primary goal of decreasing isolation by connecting families with their community and providing services that strengthen family functioning.

We’ve created a guide to FRCs, what they are, and why they are important. Follow along to learn about:

What Is a Family Resource Center?
What Services Do Family Resource Centers Provide?
Who Runs Family Resource Centers?
How Are Family Resource Centers Funded?
Why Are Family Resource Centers Important?
How Do Family Resource Centers Protect Children & Prevent Child Abuse?
Where Can I Find a Family Resource Center in Southern California?

What Is a Family Resource Center?

Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are community-based hubs that provide a range of prevention and early intervention services to families. They offer support, education, and resources to families with children of all ages. FRCs are designed to increase parenting skills and protective factors known to strengthen family functioning that include parental resilience; social connections; concrete support in times of need; knowledge of parenting and child development; and social and emotional competence of children. The ultimate goal with these efforts is to prevent child abuse and neglect from happening.

What Services Do Family Resource Centers Provide?

Services offered by FRCs depend on location, but FRCs may provide parent education, counseling, case management, referral services, and more. Services include classes and workshops on topics such as child development, effective communication, and positive discipline. Counseling services may also be available for individuals, couples, and families, addressing a variety of issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

Case management services are provided to help families navigate complex systems such as healthcare, housing, and social services, while referral services connect families with community resources such as legal aid, employment services, and childcare.

Additional services can include parent education, after-school activities, domestic violence counseling, and counseling for kids.

How Are FRCs run?

FRCs are run by a diverse group of professionals, including social workers, educators, counselors, and community organizers. Each FRC is unique and tailored to the needs of the community with programs and services designed to meet the specific needs of families in the area.

How Are Family Resource Centers Funded?

Funding for FRCs typically comes from a variety of sources, including government grants, private donations, and partnerships with local businesses. Children’s Bureau and our partners are tasked with securing funding to ensure that our FRCs can continue to provide crucial guidance and help to families in need.

Why are FRCs Important?

By offering support and resources that strengthen family functioning and connect families with their community, FRCs reduce isolation and promote healthy child development. FRCs provide a variety of services that address the needs of the entire family, which can prevent stress and promote positive family relationships. These services include parent education, counseling, and legal assistance, which can help families address challenges before they become more serious and lead to child abuse and neglect.

Accessing services that are tailored to their specific needs is crucial for families, and this is where FRCs come in. By offering comprehensive services and support, FRCs help families build strong communities and provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children. Improved academic performance, better physical and mental health outcomes, and reduced involvement with the child welfare system are some of the positive outcomes that result from investing in FRCs.

Furthermore, FRCs often act as a hub for community events and activities, promoting a sense of togetherness and social cohesion. By investing in family resource centers, we invest in the well-being of our communities as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial to continue supporting and promoting FRCs to ensure the well-being of families and communities alike.

How Do FRCs Protect Children & Prevent Abuse?

FRCs play a vital role in safeguarding children from abuse and neglect by equipping parents with the necessary tools and resources needed to promote their children’s safety and well-being.

These centers assist parents in developing effective parenting skills and coping mechanisms to manage stress, frustration, and anger, thereby reducing the risk of child abuse. FRCs extend their services to families who have experienced trauma, such as domestic violence, homelessness, and substance abuse, by providing support to help them heal and rebuild their lives. By offering education and resources on positive discipline, healthy child development, and effective communication, family resource centers empower parents to create safe and nurturing environments for their children.

Children’s Bureau Family Resource Center Locations

Community Health Enrichment Collaborative (CHEC)

Address: 27412 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone Number: (949) 489-7742
Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Tues, Wed: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat, Sun: Closed

Corbin Family Resource Center

Address: 2215 W. McFadden Ave. G, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone Number: (714) 480-3737
Hours: Mon, Wed: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sat, Sun: Closed

Magnolia Place Family Resource Center

Address: 1910 Magnolia Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90007
Phone Number: 213-342-0100
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: Closed

Newport Mesa Family Resource Center

Address: 307 Placentia Avenue Suite 203 Newport Beach, CA 92663
Phone Number: 949-764-8100
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: Closed

Oak View Family Resource Center

Address: 3910 Oakwood Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone Number: (323) 953-7350
Hours: Mon-Sat: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun: Closed

South Orange County Family Resource Center

Address: 22481 Aspan St., Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone Number: (949) 364-0500
Hours: Mon, Tues, Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Wed, Thurs: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat, Sun: Closed

Children’s Bureau Family Resource Center – Palmdale – Coming in Fall 2023