CalWORKs Starting Out Strong Program

One-to-one parenting support for new and expectant CalWORKs parents

What is the CalWORKs Starting Out Strong Program?

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Starting Out Strong Program (SOSP) is a free and voluntary program that matches new and expectant CalWORKs parents with a nurse or trained professional who will meet with you at a location that you choose. The CalWORKs SOSP is a partnership between the Alameda County Social Services Agency and the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA), Public Health Department (PHD).

Benefits a family may receive from participating in the program include:

  • improved health for the parent/caretaker relative and child(ren);
  • new parenting skills and techniques
  • lower stress levels;
  • activities to encourage child development;
  • referrals and resources for the parent/caretaker relative and their children;
  • opportunities for their child(ren) to enroll in high-quality child care services, playgroups or other enrichment activities aimed at giving the child(ren) the best start in life; and
  • assistance obtaining items for new parents, such as car seats and child safety kits, dependent on established need.

A nurse or trained professional will provide guidance, coaching, and connections to resources that help improve families’ education, social, economic, and financial outlook.

Eligibility

  • A member of a CalWORKs assistance unit or the parent/caretaker relative for a child-only case, including sanctioned or timed-out individuals; and
  •  Currently pregnant or a parent/caretaker to a child less than 36 months of age.

For more information, you can call (510) 667-3072 or email homevisiting@acgov.org.