CHERISH™, established at Kindering in 2004, is an early childhood relational health-focused model for providing ESIT (Early Support for Infants and Toddlers) services to child welfare systems-involved children and their families. Our multidisciplinary providers receive specialized training and ongoing support from Kindering’s training team to offer the CHERISH model to nurture relationships and decrease the number of unnecessary placement disruptions in a child's life. We support reunification whenever possible and encourage relationships between parents and caregivers. CHERISH supports are individualized for each child with their parent and/or caregiver, but generally include:
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developmental evaluation
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relationship-based home visiting with regulating activities
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parent/caregiver support regarding child welfare system navigation
MEET THE CHERISH TEAM AT SOUTH SOUND PARENT TO PARENT
We have a solid understanding of the child welfare system. We are qualified to provide family support, social/emotional developmental interventions, case management, advocacy, and resources/referrals. We will work together to address the issues identified in your child’s developmental assessment.
You know your family’s needs and what concerns you have about your child. Working together, with a focus on
what is going well, we will help you and your child with any struggles you are facing. Since young children develop primarily in relationships, we will support your emotional health needs as well. Your well-being and your child’s
well-being are linked. Our goal is for your child to experience smooth transitions and to build the emotional and
social skills needed to grow into a healthy adult. ​​​
CHERISH LEAD:
CHERISH PROVIDERS:
Heather Powers, IMH-E
Developmental Associate
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Jordan Kennedy
Developmental Associate
Naomi Mork
Occupational Therapist
Sandee LaLane
Developmental Associate
CHERISH FAMILY RESOURCES COORDINATORS:
Amy Neal
Elayna Laudermilk
Jenn Gould
Kaity Mayo
Molly Davidson
Whitnie Kramer
ELIGIBILITY
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In order to receive CHERISH supports, children must be:
> Under the age of 3 at time of referral
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> Involved with the child welfare system
> Qualify for ESIT at an agency where there are CHERISH-certified providers, including South Sound Parent to Parent.
REFERRALS
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Anyone can refer a child for CHERISH supports.
Please visit South Sound Parent to Parent at:
https://www.ssp2p.org/early-supports​
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For questions, please contact​​:
P: 360.352.1126​
Email: aernst@ssp2p.org​​​​
COSTS
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Services in the CHERISH model can be billed to insurance, but lack of insurance will not prevent access to care.
The training that allows teams to offer ESIT in the CHERISH model is made possible by generous funding from community partners.