CHERISH™

CHildren Encouraged by Relationships in Secure Homes

Nurturing Relationships for Children to Thrive

CHERISH 0-3 services have been available at Kindering since 2004; CHERISH 3-5 services since 2018. We know that children involved in the child welfare system are particularly vulnerable and benefit from special support to get the best start in life. CHERISH is an infant mental health service designed to meet the unique needs of these children and their parents and caregivers. (Note: the CHERISH 3-5 Program is also able to receive referrals for children in informal kinship care.)

CHERISH services include:

A complete developmental evaluation for children ages 0 to 3; a developmental screening and referral to school district services for children 3-5.
A psychosocial assessment to identify any emotional or adjustment issues
Individual parent/caregiver consultation with a CHERISH Provider
A therapeutic home-visiting program that supports social and emotional development
- Examples of issues supported:
  - Forming trusting relationships after change and loss
  - Identifying and addressing needs that underlie challenging behaviors
  - Encouraging connections between caregivers and parents
  - Supporting best-practice transitions
  - Navigating the child welfare system

Cost

Therapy and support services through the CHERISH program are free to foster parents, relative caregivers, and parents. These services are made possible by generous funding from community partners, such as NW Children’s Foundation.

Referrals

Anyone can refer a child in the child welfare system to the CHERISH program. Children ages 0-3 years must reside in an area served by an agency with a CHERISH program and be under age 3 at time of referral. Services to children ages 3-5 years are only provided by Kindering, and referred children must live in King County to be eligible.

For more information about CHERISH services, to locate a program near you or make a referral, please visit Cherish.Kindering.Org, email Cherish@Kindering.Org, or call (425) 653-4321.