California Alliance of Child & Family Services

We are excited to share the important findings from a recent survey conducted by our partner, California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN). This survey, associated with AB 2711 (Ramos), sheds light on the critical issues faced by youth in California regarding substance use and the support systems available to them. Key Findings: - Increased Likelihood to Seek Help: Youth are 30% more likely to ask for support and services if they know they won't be punished for disclosing their use of substances, alcohol, or intoxicants. - Barriers to Seeking Help: 55% of youth reported being prevented or punished for attempting to seek help. Major concerns include fear of getting in trouble, lack of support at home and school, and insufficient services available. - Youth Voices: The survey captures poignant testimonies from youth across California who are struggling with these issues and underscores the urgent need for supportive, non-punitive environments. We are proud to support CAYEN and AB 2711 (Ramos), which aims to prohibit the suspension of youth who voluntarily disclose their substance use to seek help.

*Now Hiring: Senior Policy Advocate!* We're looking for a dedicated professional to join our team in making a difference. We're seeking a Senior Policy Advocate leading the development of policy positions related to Education and Prevention services under the supervision of the Director of Public Policy and as part of the CA Alliance policy team. This position actively works with the Legislature, state agencies and other advocacy groups to ensure the adoption of those positions in statute, regulation or as part of statewide policy. The Senior Policy Advocate works closely with member organizations to support and forward policy issues developed through member committees. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/gHiPPrxp

Congratulations Sierra Vista Child & Family Services for breaking ground on the Modesto Community Wellness and Youth Prevention Center! This new facility , aims to serve 4,800 community members annually With $4.6M from California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) providing mental health and substance use disorder services, youth counseling, and family support. Thank you Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil and Assemblyman Juan Alanis for your invaluable support. Thank you to Governor Gavin Newsom and your Administration for making this opportunity possible.

Join Us tomorrow for a FREE Informational Webinar on AB 665 and AB 816! We are excited to invite you to a webinar that will dive into implementing California's AB 665, effective from July 1, 2024. This law aligns the consent standards for mental health services, ensuring that youth insured through Medi-Cal can access the care they need without additional barriers. Additionally, we will discuss AB 816, which advances access to substance use disorder treatment for young people. This webinar is a must-attend for anyone involved in the care and support of foster youth. Date: July 25, 2024 Time: 2:30 PM PST Registration: Click here to register https://lnkd.in/gQutSgEJ What You'll Learn: 🔹 Legal Framework and Implications of AB 665: Understand the key aspects of this new legislation and how it will impact mental health services for Medi-Cal-insured youth. 🔹 Best Practices for Ensuring Equitable Access to Mental Health Care: Gain valuable insights into creating inclusive and accessible mental health care environments for all youth. 🔹 Strategies for Implementation: Learn practical strategies and approaches for implementing AB 665 in your community, ensuring that youth receive the support they need. 🔹 Overview of AB 816: Explore how this bill advances access to substance use disorder treatment for young people and the positive changes it brings. Why Attend? This webinar will provide essential insights and practical advice about implementing these laws in your community. It's a great opportunity to stay informed and equipped to effectively support foster youth. Who Should Attend? This training is open to all devoted to supporting foster care agencies, mental health professionals, social workers, and anyone interested in youth advocacy. Registration is FREE! Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity. Click the link to secure your spot: Register Now https://lnkd.in/gQutSgEJ #MentalHealth #FosterCare #AB665 #AB816 National Health Law Program) The Children's Partnership (TCP) National Center for Youth Law School-Based Health Alliance

If you have not read this comprehensive research report, we highly recommend you do! "Provider Perspectives - County to County Comparison of THPP-NMD Programs," by Selena Liu Raphael, Senior Policy Advocate at the CA Alliance of Child and Family Services, and Mirabel Raphael, Research Assistant at the Catalyst Center This study, sheds light on the critical factors influencing the utilization of Transitional Housing Placement Programs for Non-Minor Dependents (THPP-NMD) across California. As California navigates its affordable housing crisis, this report offers valuable insights for policymakers, service providers, and stakeholders committed to improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the highlighted best practices, we can enhance the capacity and sustainability of THPP-NMD programs statewide. This research was made possible by a generous grant from the Transition-Age Youth Research & Evaluation Hub (TAY-Hub), with funding from Tipping Point Community and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Their support underscores the importance of applied research and community engagement in shaping effective policies and practices for transition-aged youth. Read the full report here: https://shorturl.at/HAtFS

*Now Hiring: Research Analyst!* We're looking for a dedicated professional to join our team in making a difference. We're seeking a Research Analyst to conduct comprehensive reviews of child welfare, behavioral health, education, and juvenile justice policies. Your role will involve analyzing data, drafting impactful reports, and supporting research committee activities. If you're passionate about making a difference in youth mental health and policy advocacy, apply today! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gDs7YYjY

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is currently conducting a survey for transitional age youth, ages 15 - 26, to gather insights on experiences with substance use and navigating support services across the state. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the support systems available to our youth. By participating in this survey, you'll help CAYEN understand the real challenges faced by young individuals and contribute to meaningful change in our communities. Rest assured, your responses will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. While we request your name and contact information, your identity will remain anonymous unless you explicitly give consent for it to be shared.

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a comprehensive research report by Selena Liu Raphael, Senior Policy Advocate at the CA Alliance of Child and Family Services, and Mirabel Raphael, Research Assistant at the Catalyst Center. This study, "Provider Perspectives - County to County Comparison of THPP-NMD Programs," sheds light on the critical factors influencing the utilization of Transitional Housing Placement Programs for Non-Minor Dependents (THPP-NMD) across California. As California navigates its affordable housing crisis, this report offers valuable insights for policymakers, service providers, and stakeholders committed to improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care. By addressing the identified barriers and leveraging the highlighted best practices, we can enhance the capacity and sustainability of THPP-NMD programs statewide. This research was made possible by a generous grant from the Transition-Age Youth Research & Evaluation Hub (TAY-Hub), with funding from Tipping Point Community and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Their support underscores the importance of applied research and community engagement in shaping effective policies and practices for transition-aged youth. We invite you to read the full report and join us in advocating for the necessary changes to ensure all youth have access to stable and supportive housing as they transition into adulthood. Read the full report here: Provider Perspectives - County to County Comparison of THPP-NMD Programs - TAY Hub Research Paper - June 2024.pdf

The Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) has reopened the application period for the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) Scholarship Program. This program aims to bolster our state's behavioral health workforce by providing critical support to students pursuing careers in social work, addiction studies, and human services. About the Scholarship: Amount: Up to $35,000 Eligibility: Students enrolled or accepted into associate or bachelor's level programs in social work, addiction studies, or human services at a California college or university, starting in the 2024-25 academic year. Application Deadline: August 16, 2024 Application Link: https://shorturl.at/QCcYu The CWC role is pivotal in addressing the growing mental health needs of our youth. Certified Wellness Coaches provide non-clinical services that promote overall physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By integrating CWCs into our healthcare system, we can offer more comprehensive and accessible support to young people where they live, study, and work.

Today is a milestone day for youth mental health care in California! We are thrilled to announce that the bill we co-sponsored, championed by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo and Senator Scott Wiener, has officially gone into effect. This new law will make it easier for low-income teens to access mental health care without needing parental consent, bridging a critical gap in our healthcare system. This law is about equity. For years, teens with private insurance have had the right to seek mental health care on their own. This right is extended to low-income teens covered by Medi-Cal, ensuring they have the same opportunities for care and support. We deeply thank Asm. Wendy Carrillo and Sen. Scott Weiner, thank you for your unwavering support and vision in making this law a reality. Their dedication to equity and mental health care has been inspiring. However, our work does not stop here. It's crucial that we see this through and ensure the successful implementation of this law. We must continue to advocate for our youth, provide the necessary resources, and continue to raise awareness about the importance of accessible mental health care. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of California's youth. Join us in celebrating this milestone and in our ongoing efforts to create a more equitable healthcare system for all. Together, we can make a difference. #YouthMentalHealthCare National Center for Youth Law National Health Law Program The Children's Partnership (TCP) California School-Based Health Alliance