Kern County Family Justice Center

06/04/2026

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. 💜🎗️

If you suspect elder abuse, please report it❗️

Anyone in need of services is strongly encouraged to contact the Kern County Family Justice Center. All services are free and there is no appointment necessary. For transportation assistance, please contact us at 661-868-5950.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate our community, and take action to protect older adults from abuse and neglect. 🎗️

Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect, self-neglect, and abandonment. Many older adults are especially vulnerable and may be unable to recognize or report the mistreatment they experience.

📣 Please review the resources provided, including information on how to report suspected abuse. The Kern County Family Justice Center is also available to assist older adults with services such as restraining orders, reporting to law enforcement, referrals for in-home supportive services, and other resources designed to help individuals regain safety and stability.

Look out for your elderly family members, friends, and neighbors. 💜 To learn more about elder abuse prevention and detection, visit ncea.usc.edu. 📲

05/21/2026

📣 Our centers will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026. Both locations will be closed for the day, however, if you need assistance, please note the resources below:

➡️ If you are in IMMEDIATE DANGER: CALL 911
➡️ 24-hr Crisis Hotline: 800-273-7713
➡️ Online Intake Form: kcfjc.org

05/14/2026

Need to enroll for services? We’ve made it easy to get started.

📲 Visit kcfjc.org to complete our online intake form. A staff member will contact you within 72 hours of receiving your request.

📍Walk-ins are also welcome at our Bakersfield or Lamont locations Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

We are here and available to help you every step of the way. 💜

05/07/2026

Come see us in Fraizer Park! ⛰️☀️

📣 We’ll be hosting a One-Day Information Station on Thursday, May 14th from 9am-2pm at the Mountain Communities Family Resource Center.

There’s no need to make an appointment. Just come on by and learn about the array of services offered by the Kern County Family Justice Center. If you’re ready to get started, you’ll be able to do so that same day. 💜

📲 For more information, please contact the South Kern County Family Justice Center at 661-868-5820.

04/29/2026

Kern County DA Victim Advocates are joining many across the nation for in support of survivors of sexual assault. 👖🎗️

In 1999 the Italian High Court overturned a r**e conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans at the time of the assault. The justices stated that the victim must have helped her attacker remove her jeans, from which they inferred consent. People all around the world were outraged. Wearing jeans on this anniversary became an international symbol of protest against destructive behaviors about sexual violence.

Today, and every day, we stand with survivors and support those who have been affected. 💜

04/29/2026

You may not have all the answers when it comes to supporting a survivor of sexual assault, and that’s ok. Every survivor’s experience is different, and so are their needs. 💜

If you want to be there for someone, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
• Don’t focus on the “why.” Instead, listen, offer support, and lead with empathy.
• Remind them they’re not alone and that you’re there for them.
• Help connect them to trusted community resources, where trained professionals can support their healing journey, such as the Kern County Family Justice Center.
• Acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Simply being heard and believed can make a powerful difference.

Sexual assault can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Your support can mean the world to someone navigating a life-changing experience.

04/13/2026

Save the Date! 📅

A victim advocate will be in Frazier Park later this month to answer your questions and help connect you with supportive services. 💜✨

If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault, this is a safe opportunity to receive confidential support, right in your community.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Mountain Communities Family Resource Center (3015 Mount Pinos Way, Frazier Park)

All services are free, and no appointment is necessary. 📲 For more information, please contact the South Kern County Family Justice Center at (661) 868-5820.

04/08/2026

When someone experiences sexual violence, the body and brain respond instinctively to protect them. These reactions vary from person to person and may include a freeze response, where the body becomes temporarily immobilized. This is a natural defense mechanism that occurs when fighting or fleeing feels unsafe.

EVERY response is valid. Survivors deserve compassion, support, and understanding without any judgement. 💜

📣If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. Visit kcfjc.org or visit a Kern County Family Justice Center in Lamont or Bakersfield. All services are free and there is no appointment is necessary.

04/03/2026

April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. 🎗️

Sexual violence can affect anyone regardless of age, background, or circumstance, and it is often perpetrated by someone the survivor knows. Its impact can be long-lasting, but support, understanding, and access to resources can make a meaningful difference.

Throughout this month, we will be sharing information, resources, and ways to support survivors in our community.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please know you are not alone. Help is available. Visit a Family Justice Center to access support and begin the path toward healing. ❤️‍🩹

03/26/2026

As the weather warms up, many of us are spending more time outdoors at social gatherings and events where alcohol is often present. ☀️🥂

It’s important to remember that while alcohol can influence behavior, it is NEVER an excuse for violence. 🚫 The root cause of abuse is power and control, not alcohol. Substance use may escalate a situation, but it does not create it.

If you or someone you know needs help identifying signs of abuse or finding support, please visit a Family Justice Center near you. 💜✨ Visit kcfjc.org for more information. 📲