
Our Mission
The mission of Kern County Network for Children is to protect and enrich the lives of children in Kern County through the commitment of all community partners by helping to build and sustain healthy families.
Our Goals
Meet Our Governing Board
The KCNC Governing Board is a dedicated group of County senior policy makers, representatives from private business and leaders of community based organizations that explores needed changes in county policies and develops public/private partnerships to improve the lives of Kern County children and their families.
Get Connected!Meet & hear from others interested in the well-being of Kern’s children & families at the next General Collaborative Meeting Every 3rd Thursday morning each month from 8:30 to 10:00 at University Square!November 19: Presentations from Kern Assistive Technology Center, Comprehensive Blood and Cancer (CBCC) and Public Health |
Welcome to the Network For Children!
Created in 1992, the Kern County Network for Children (KCNC) harnesses the power of community action in meeting the critical needs of Kern County's children and families. KCNC takes pride in assisting local community collaboratives and family service agencies in developing integrated service delivery models to help identify and address the most critical children's issues in Kern County.We believe in:
- Personal responsibility and family self-sufficiency as the cornerstones of resilient, stable communities;
- Grassroots solutions to local problems;
- Empowering local residents to address common concerns;
- Locally-based, accessible services;
- Program accountability and delivery of cost-effective services
KCNC programs and initiatives serve many functions benefiting children and families in Kern County and are carried out through the active involvement of government leaders, nonprofit agencies, organizations, businesses and private individuals.
| Promoting Community Connections
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Advocating for Families & Children
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Developing Community Leadership
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What's New
5-Minute Agency Spotlight
Name: Sabra CesmatTitle/Position: Child Support Officer III
Agency Name: Kern County Department of Child Support Services
Agency Website: http://www.co.kern.ca.us/childsupport
Phone Number: 661-868-0669
Fax Number: 661-868-2984

How would you describe your agency and your role at the agency?
"The Kern County Department of Child Support Services fundamentally believes, every child has the right to be supported by his/her parents. As such, KCDCSS provides services to over 60,000 families. To ensure families receive necessary financial support for the care and well-being of their children, KCDCSS establishes paternity, medical and child support orders. Once these orders are established, KCDCSS also enforces these orders through the collection and distribution of child support payments to families.
I am currently working on creating our Kids Count Resource Center, where customers can learn more about the child support program, ask questions, view program orientation videos, attend participant workshops and obtain valuable community resource information. I assist with our Early Intervention Team conducting interviews, answering questions and providing the Non-custodial parent with evening orientations that are staring the 2nd Tues in December. I also attend local community activities and provide program presentations to other organizations regarding the importance of paying support."
Is there any other personal information you would like to share?
"I started working for the Department of Human Services back in 1989 in Kings and Yolo County before coming to Kern County. I came to work for KCDCSS back in 2002 where I feel I am able to help children everyday. I am also married and have 2 boys that keep me very busy."
Join us at the next General Collaborative Meeting for your chance to be our next KCNC 5 Minute Spotlight! Meet our previous KCNC 5 Minute Spotlights!
Kern County Network for Children is recognized throughout the county, state, and nation by the following organizations for innovative, collaborative approaches to caring for children and families:
United States Conference of Mayors • National Association of Counties • National League of Cities • American Association of School Administrators • International City/County Management Association • National School Boards Association • California State Association of Counties • California Department of Health Services • Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce • Junior League of Bakersfield • United Way of Kern County • Kern COG • Mexican American Opportunity Foundation • The Foundation Consortium
