Skip to content

Family Resource Centers

DEC provides free parenting support and resources through a network of Family Resource Centers (FRCs). There are 26 family resource centers located throughout neighborhoods in San Francisco. FRCs are safe places where families can join other families in fun activities. FRC programs enhance parents’ skills and knowledge of child development.

Research shows that parental coping, social support, and strong parent-child relationships are critical. They help children’s academic, social, and emotional readiness for kindergarten. San Francisco’s FRCs help families make connections and find resources to support their children’s lifelong success.

Discover the many resources available at San Francisco’s Family Resource Centers.

Family Support Programs

FRCs offer a range of programs, classes, and services to support you and your child. Many Family Resource Centers also provide food and diaper banks. Here are a few common types of programs. Use the FRC search tool below or check out the family event calendar to learn about and find even more programs available at FRCs around the City.

Workshops and Classes

Workshops and classes focus on topics that are important to families with young children. Popular topics include nutrition, pregnancy/infant care, child development, disaster preparedness, oral health, asthma prevention, yoga, managing stress, English language, and economic success.

Parent Education

Parent education programs help participants develop parenting skills over a series of classes. Parent education helps parents develop positive relationships with their children. Parents learn how to manage challenging behavior and encourage positive behavior. Parent education programs include Triple P, 123 Magic, and Abriendo Puertas.

Playgroups

Playgroups are opportunities for parents and children to have fun and learn together. Children do age-appropriate activities that develop their fine/gross motor skills, cognition, socialization, and literacy. Parents learn how to promote their children’s development.

Support Groups

Whoever you are and whatever phase of parenthood you are in (including grandparents and other caregivers), a support group can help. Find community, share your challenges, celebrate your successes, and get advice from others.

Family and Community Events

FRCs offer holiday and cultural festivities, educational field trips, and other social events. Families can have fun, learn together, and get to know other families in their community.

Information and Referrals

FRCs provide information and referral services for a variety of needs. They can help with housing, education, child care, employment, domestic violence prevention, legal services, and more. FRCs also offer developmental screenings.

Family Advocacy/Case Management

Families can receive guidance and support to access services. Get help to achieve goals related to parenting, family relationships, employment, housing, and health and mental health.

Find a Family Resource Center Near You

Family Resource CenterNeighborhoodContact

About the Family Resource Center Initiative

The Department of Early Childhood’s Family Resource Center Initiative is a network of family resource centers that operates across San Francisco. FRCs are family-serving organizations that provide safe and welcoming places for families to learn about child development, build parenting skills, and engage in peer support. For families dealing with crises, FRCs provide resources, referrals, and comprehensive case management.

The Family Resource Center Initiative equips the network of FRCs to collaborate to ensure that the needs of families across the city are supported.

The Family Resource Center Initiative is funded by the Department of Early Childhood; the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families; and the San Francisco Human Services Agency.