The Bridges To Care Program is structured around three core components designed to provide crucial support for families and children involved in the foster care system. These components are the Emergency Child Care Voucher, the Child Care Navigator, and Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching, all working in concert to create a robust support network.
Emergency Child Care Vouchers: Immediate Support for Families
The program offers time-limited Emergency Child Care Vouchers to assist families with the costs of child care. These vouchers are available for children in the foster care system from birth through age 12, and for youth with exceptional needs up to age 21. Initially, a voucher can be issued for six months and may be renewed for another six months, or until the child is successfully enrolled in long-term, subsidized child care. In compelling circumstances, counties have the discretion to extend eligibility beyond 12 months. It’s important to note that all vouchers are paid according to the Regional Market Rate (RMR) ceilings for subsidized child care payment rates. Counties have flexibility in administering these vouchers, either issuing them directly or partnering with their local Alternate Payment Program (APP) and/or Resource and Referral Program (R&R Program).
Child Care Navigator: Guiding Families Through Child Care Options
A vital part of the Bridges to Care Program is the Child Care Navigator. Employed by a local R&R Program, the navigator plays a crucial role in helping eligible families navigate the often-complex landscape of child care. The navigator works directly with families and authorized individuals to assess child care opportunities that best meet a child’s age and specific needs. They also provide essential consumer education to empower families in making informed decisions about child care. Navigator services are accessible to children currently in foster care, children who were previously in foster care and have returned to their home of origin, and children whose parents are involved with the child welfare system, ensuring broad reach and support.
Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching: Enhancing Provider Skills
Recognizing the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma, the Bridges to Care Program includes Trauma-Informed Care Training and Coaching for child care providers. This training is designed to equip providers with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to effectively care for children who have experienced trauma.
The curriculum for this training was developed and is delivered by The California Child Care Resource and Referral Network, which also certifies trainers within local R&R Programs. Utilizing this designated curriculum and certified trainers is strongly encouraged for all R&R Programs participating in the Bridges to Care Program, ensuring consistency and quality in trauma-informed care practices.
Bridge Program Stipends: Supporting Child Care Providers
Child care providers who serve children receiving Bridge Program child care subsidies may be eligible for subsidized child care stipends. This includes various types of providers such as Centers, Family Child Care Homes, and License-Exempt Providers (often known as Family, Friend, or Neighbor (FFN) Providers). These stipends are intended to offer financial support to child care providers facing ongoing challenges. These challenges can include decreased enrollment, increased teacher-to-child ratios, and the added costs of enhanced cleaning protocols and other pandemic-related expenses.
For more detailed information about stipends, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
For any inquiries regarding the Bridges to Care Program, please reach out to the Child Care Programs Bureau at [email protected].
