Welcome to today's specially released episode on the HeartBeat of Human Services Podcast covering DHS's booth at this year's Kern County Fair. At our booth, we have information about the different departments, our new logo, and awesome giveaway items. Plus we're in the same building as some delicious fair food vendors!

Listen to today's episode & check us out at the fair!

Learn how our county is helping students achieve their goals inside and outside the classroom. Mary Switalski, a Social Service Supervisor at DHS, joins us to talk about Cal Learn, Empower Hour, Healthy Babies Healthy Mothers program and more!

DHS is privileged to partner with Public Health Nurses, who are stationed inside our Bakersfield building. Today, we'll hear from Susan McArthur, PHN, who will give us tips on keeping our children safe, and preventing heat related injuries.

As the heat ramps up around the US, there have been 10 deaths accounted for due to children being locked alone in a hot motor vehicle. This July we want to spread awareness of these dangers and urge parents and caretakers to look before you lock!

How do foster parents help with reunification? Listen to a 15-year veteran Emergency Foster Parent, Shirley as she shares her story about the crucial role she and other Foster Parents play in reunification.

Did you enjoy our last reunification podcast? We are continuing our Reunification Month series this week. Listen to this week's podcast to hear retired Kern County Superior Court Judge Louie Vega talk about the importance of honoring family reunification. Vega is a Purple Heart recipient, who served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He's also worked in radio, and TV, as a high school teacher, lawyer, Court Commissioner, and finally Superior Court judge.

"CPS saved my life." Listen to John's emotional journey from a 30-year addiction, to how he has reunified with his three children, while setting an example of overcoming and learning to dream again.

Foster parents and friends, Kristy and Renea joined forces to keep a family of foster siblings together. Listen to our interview with Kristy and Renea's family to hear an honest account of what it takes to raise foster youth and how they have become each other's support system.