Initiative & Partnerships

Newborn Home Visiting Initiative:
The Welcome Every Baby Program (WEB)

Vision:
Every family in Santa Barbara County creates a nurturing and healthy environment in which their babies will thrive.

Description:
The Welcome Every Baby Program (WEB) is a universal home visiting program available, free of charge, to all families with infants ages birth through nine months. WEB is based on the Touchpoints model developed by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton that focuses on supporting the well-being of the new baby, the parent and the family as a whole.

Services:
WEB Services begin in the first week after an infant leaves the hospital. A registered nurse and/or a child development specialist visit the home at the parents' convenience to complete a postpartum assessment for mother and baby, answer any questions or concerns and provide a link to local resources as needed. Over 9 months, each family receives three visits and three follow-up phone calls to provide information, support and referrals. Services include parent education on child development and developmental assessments to help identify and support their child's individual needs.

Partners:
The WEB program is administered by Sojourn Services, Inc. in collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Cottage Hospital Systems, Lompoc District Hospital, and Marian Hospital and Home and Health Care. In addition, SMOOTH Inc. provides transportation to health and social service appointments for families receiving services from WEB..

Contact Information:
Santa Barbara County Education Office, Welcome Every Baby Program (WEB)
Santa Barbara: 805-898-2229
Santa Maria: 805-922-5459

Early Childhood Oral Health Initiative

Vision:
Every child in Santa Barbara County will have access to quality oral health services to prevent dental diseases and advance their overall health and development.

Description:
The Early Childhood Oral Health Initiative works to improve the oral health of children through a program that emphasizes education and prevention while also maximizing availability of treatment for those in greatest need. The Initiative targets children in need of treatment who do not have dental coverage or sufficient coverage to cover the cost of their treatment.

Services:
The Early Childhood Oral Health Initiative provides oral health education, screenings and treatment to children from birth through 5 years of age and their families. Oral Health screenings and education are provided in: preschool programs, child care centers, family child care programs and school readiness programs. Follow-up treatment is provided by referral to local clinics and dentists.

Partners:
The Early Childhood Oral Health Program is administered by Santa Barbara County Office of Education Health Linkages Program with funding provided to: Santa Maria Bonita School District Healthy Start, Family Service Agency, Isla Vista Projects, Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People, Guadalupe Union School District Healthy Start, and Santa Barbara School District Healthy Start.

Additional partners include: Eastside Dental Clinic, American Indian Health & Services, Marian Medical Center, Department of Social Services KIDS NETWORK, and Cornelia Moore Dental Foundation, Community Action Commission, and many local dentists.

Contact Information:
Santa Barbara County Office of Education,
Health Linkages
(805) 964-4711 ext 4455