Differential Response of Marin County
A community response to supporting families and protecting children.
We can connect you to low or no cost services that will help you with life’s challenges.
• Strengthening and empowering families.
• Ensuring the safety, protection, and health of children.
• Partnering with the community.
How Does It Work?
1.) A call comes in with concerns about a family that does not require immediate attention from a Child Welfare Worker.
2.) A Community Specialist contacts the family by phone or letter to offer assistance.
3.) “I lost my job and I am taking it out on my kids”, “I just had a baby and I am feeling depressed”, “I am afraid that I am drinking too much and I’m not paying attention to my children” “My teenager doesn’t listen”, “My baby won’t stop crying” “I am looking for a job and I don’t know where to start”. Can you help?
4.) Yes, we can. We can connect you to low or no cost services that will help you with life’s challenges.
What is Differential Response?
Every month Children and Family Services receives hundreds of calls of concern regarding families and children. Some calls require immediate attention from a Child Welfare Worker.
Other calls are about families experiencing challenges with parenting or in life. Those families may simply need help in the form of services and support from the community.
Differential Response is a way to make sure families are offered the help they need at low or no cost from community agencies without the involvement of Children and Family Services.
What Now?
After Children and Family Services determines a call does not require an in-person intervention they will make a referral to the Community Specialist.
The Community Specialist will call the family or send them a letter with information on the services and support offered through the DR program. The family may choose to accept those services or not; or they may choose to accept them at a later time.
What Services may be Available:
• Parenting Help
• Housing Referrals/Assistance
• Food
• Clothing
• Support Groups
• Tutoring
• Pre-Natal
• Medical Services
• Counseling
• School Readiness
• Bilingual Services
• Employment and Education Assistance
• Transportation Assistance
• Teen Services
• Family Violence Prevention
• Grief Counseling
• Financial Education
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment
• Immigration Information
• And more
What If I Don’t Accept These Services?
Services offered through DR are voluntary and are intended to help families overcome their challenges. Even if a family chooses not to accept services now they may choose to accept them at a later date.
Differential Response programs are completely voluntary. Children and Family Services will not keep a record of your participation.
Contact Us
Differential Response Community Specialist
(415) 473-2809
3250 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901