Kern County Nonprofits Unite to Combat Child Abuse

Annual Family SafeResource event connects organizations to support local families

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:56am

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An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph depicting a group of people gathered around a table, examining materials from various nonprofit organizations, with the scene bathed in warm, diffused light, conveying a sense of community and connection.Nonprofits in Kern County come together to share resources and support families in need, fostering a collaborative approach to combating child abuse.Bakersfield Today

In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month, nonprofits in Kern County, California gathered at the Family SafeResource event to share resources and learn how each organization helps protect children from neglect and abuse on a daily basis. The event, organized by the Kern County Network for Children, aimed to educate families about the support services available in the community to address the root causes of child abuse, such as poverty.

Why it matters

Child abuse and neglect remain serious issues in many communities, often stemming from underlying challenges like poverty and lack of access to resources. Events that bring together local nonprofits allow them to coordinate efforts, share knowledge, and directly connect families in need with the help they require to create safer environments for children.

The details

The Family SafeResource event featured booths from various Kern County nonprofits, each sharing information about their services and programs. Attendees were able to learn about the different ways organizations work to prevent child abuse, from providing childcare and food assistance to offering mental health support and parenting classes. Organizers emphasized the importance of 'mandatory reporters' like teachers and childcare providers being vigilant in identifying potential signs of abuse or neglect.

  • The event took place on April 17, 2026, during Child Abuse Awareness Month.
  • The Kern County Network for Children hosts the Family SafeResource event annually.

The players

Kern County Network for Children

A local nonprofit organization that coordinates efforts to protect children and support families in Kern County.

Brynn Carrigan

The director of Kern Public Health and president of the Kern County Network for Children.

Tom Corson

The executive director of the Kern County Network for Children.

Nayely Muro

A mother diagnosed with autism who has an autistic child and attended the event to learn about community resources.

Anette Seuell

A booth worker at the event who emphasized the importance of nonprofits connecting with the community.

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What they’re saying

“'It's a great opportunity for families to come out and learn about the resources we have in the community.'”

— Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern Public Health and President of Kern County Network for Children

“'Sometimes it's kind of hard to reach out for those resources. It's important as parents to share what we learn. I think this is a good place to gather more information and make connections.'”

— Nayely Muro, Mother diagnosed with autism

“'Most of the referrals come in because of kids coming to school with the same clothing everyday, sleeps in class, doesn't look like they have had anything to eat.'”

— Tom Corson, Executive Director of Kern County Network for Children

“'Our biggest referrals are people like childcare providers and teachers really what it is if you see something that's off with the child, say something.'”

— Tom Corson, Executive Director of Kern County Network for Children

“'Sometimes they deal with a lot of red tape but if they come to events like this, they can see that they can connect, networking together to help them succeed in life. Some are really on hard times.'”

— Anette Seuell, Booth Worker

What’s next

The Kern County Network for Children will continue to host the annual Family SafeResource event to connect local nonprofits and support families in need.

The takeaway

Events that bring together diverse nonprofits working to address child abuse and neglect allow organizations to share knowledge, coordinate efforts, and directly connect families with critical resources and services. By fostering these collaborative partnerships, communities can take a more holistic approach to protecting vulnerable children and supporting families.