![CHERISH Parent Flyer[16].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/acf283_d81079b8110f494b94119fdd04bd8ad8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_580,h_194,al_c,lg_1,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/CHERISH%20Parent%20Flyer%5B16%5D.jpg)
The CHERISH Program provides specialized supports to children, parents, and out-of-home caregivers who are involved in the child welfare system.
WHAT IS CHERISH?
CHERISH is a model for providing Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) services for children ages 0-3 who are living in out-of-home placements or in-home dependencies. A CHERISH provider meets with a child and their caregiver &/or parent from 1-4 times/month, depending on need, until a child turns 3 years old. Supports for each child and family are individualized.
CHERISH Focuses On Relationships
By establishing relationships with key people involved in a child’s life, CHERISH providers aim to minimize trauma, stabilize placements, and facilitate healthy transitions for children in the child welfare system. We advocate for best practice around caregiver/parent connections and family time visitation. By being in communication with many of the important people in a child’s life, we help lessen the stress that children and families can experience within systems. While CHERISH staff do not advocate for a particular permanent plan, we do support reunification whenever possible and encourage ongoing connections between caregivers and parents.
CHERISH Provides Infant Mental Health Services
Therapists and Educators are skilled providers who have received specialized training to address the unique social and emotional health needs of children in child welfare dependencies. Visits with a CHERISH provider occur in a child’s natural environment (home or community setting) whenever possible.
CHERISH is committed to confidentiality*.
We routinely participate in clinical consultations with specialists and senior clinicians to better serve our clients. These consultations are conducted in such a way that confidentiality is maintained. Additionally, as CHERISH is a state-wide program, we share limited client data with Kindering, the agency that trained our program and with whom we have an Agency Agreement for ongoing program fidelity. Given our commitment to collaboration, your CHERISH provider will be in contact with your child’s social worker, who is his/her legal guardian, and/or CASA/GAL throughout your participation in our services.
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To learn more about CHERISH, visit www.cherish.kindering.org
*There are legal exceptions that apply to confidentiality. In the following situations, the information you have shared with your provider must or may be shared with others: a) suspected abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, elderly, or dependent adult; b) threat of harm to yourself or another; c) in response to a subpoena or court order. Information may also be disclosed if a client or legal representative signs a written release authorizing said disclosure or in the event that a complaint is filed against CHERISH providers/FRCs or against this agency.