Bakersfield (Main Office)
100 E California Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6000
all locations
I live paycheck to paycheck. But I have a future.

CalWORKs Exempt Non-Needy Relative Unit (NNR)

The NNR Unit at the Kinship Center delivers services to the Caretaker Relative population in Bakersfield who receive CalWORKs for children in their care. This population consists of approximately 900 open cases in the Bakersfield area. Currently, there are six Human Services Technicians who carry a caseload of approximately 160 cases.

The Human Services Technicians collectively conduct 30 home calls each month to develop working relationships with the relative caretakers. They also utilize the home call to explore other needs the clients may have, examine the living conditions for the household, identify potential safety hazards and make appropriate community resource referrals if necessary.

When funding is available, one unique component of the NNR unit is the Caretaker Relative Assistance for Development and Living Enhancement program (CRADLE). This program was designed to minimize the financial burden placed on caretakers while caring for children left in their care. Up until now, support payments were unavailable to compensate caretakers for the care they provided. Needs such as school uniforms, musical instruments, vision care, dental needs, supplemental child care, respite care and legal needs are among some of the needs which the CRADLE program assists with.

The NNR unit provides services which support our agency's Mission and Vision to ensure a safe, protected and permanent environment for children in our community.