California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN)

Check out the results from our statewide youth survey on substance use disorder! AB 2711 authored by Assemblymember Ramos is a game-changing piece of legislation that would prohibit suspending youth who voluntarily disclose their use of substances, alcohol, or any intoxicant to seek help. By reducing stigma and fostering a culture of care, this bill ensures that young people are not punished or deterred from seeking the crucial help they urgently need. The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is proud to co-sponsor AB 2711 (Ramos) with California Alliance of Child & Family Services, Children Now, and the CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY. We stand united in creating a more just and robust continuum of care for California youth!

“In high school, students were heavily punished without any assistance in looking for help with their substance issues.” 18-year-old TAY, San Diego County Urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 2711 (Ramos) into law! #SupportNotSuspensions #AB2711 #CAYEN

We need to create a safe and supportive environment where youth can seek help for their substance use without the fear of getting into trouble! Urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 2711 (Ramos) into law! #SupportNotSuspensions #AB2711 #CAYEN

AB 2711 has reached the Governor’s desk! Join us in calling on Governor Newsom to sign AB 2711 into law. Sign Up Here: https://lnkd.in/gn-GQHpR Urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 2711 (Ramos) using our Social Media Toolkit: https://lnkd.in/gHuHj5P7

People living with mental health challenges, or peers, deserve access to high-quality education and training opportunities, as well as pathways to good jobs that enhance economic mobility. Unfortunately, individual, environmental, and systemic barriers continue to hinder peers from fully participating in the workforce. With up to 90% of individuals facing serious mental health challenges struggling to find and maintain employment, it is crucial for California to eliminate these barriers for all residents. Mental Health America of California is partnering with the CA EDGE Coalition to raise awareness of policy issues related to workforce development, education, and training, and to empower peers to engage in advocacy opportunities that focus on these critical areas. Learn more about California Edge Coalition’s legislative priorities and how to get involved at https://lnkd.in/gWA_Uf4t Check out our “Peer Workforce Challenges and Opportunities” factsheet on the front page of our website at https://mhac.org/

#AB2873 (Garcia) boosts economic mobility through support for workforce development, education, & training. All social determinates of mental health that can improve someone's quality of life. We ask for your "Aye" vote! @BuffyWicks @AsmKateSanchez @CASpeakerRivas @caedgecoalition 

Submit Your Comment Now! Click the link below! https://lnkd.in/g-xKFPAv

Mental Health America of California (MHAC) condemns Governor Newsom's Executive Order to clear homeless encampments. The clearing of encampments is a harmful and ineffective practice that unnecessarily involves law enforcement in efforts to remove unhoused individuals from the streets and confiscate their personal belongings, including tents. A recent RAND study observing Los Angeles' encampment removal policies shows that clearing encampments led to no lasting change in the number of unhoused individuals on the streets, but dramatically increased the number of unhoused individuals living completely unsheltered. Houselessness is caused primarily by a severe lack of affordable housing. MHAC’s housing report, “Data Shows Serious Mental Illness is Not the Cause of Unhoused Population Increase in California,” analyzes California's housing needs and clearly demonstrates that the rise in houselessness is due to the failure of local governments to build sufficient affordable housing for our lowest income residents. Clearing encampments without sufficient housing for encampment residents is simply unconscionable and irresponsible. MHAC stands firm in our resolve to increase supportive housing, peer support, and a range of community-defined, culturally responsive, voluntary, community-based mental health prevention and intervention supports and services that can prevent and end homelessness. We echo the statement made by our national affiliate, Mental Health America, and are committed to a just and robust continuum of care in California. https://lnkd.in/eX8SH_-f

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is seeking feedback from transitional aged youth (TAY) ages 15 - 26 regarding your experiences with substance use and navigating support services. Our intent with this survey is to capture what youth are experiencing when trying to access support and what is preventing them from doing so. Your identity will not be shared without your explicit consent. Fill out our survey for a chance to win a $100 dollar gift card! It takes less than 3 minutes to complete! Here is the link to the survey: https://lnkd.in/gTXPGhdF

NCD message marking 25 years since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v L.C, ruling unjustified segregation of persons with disabilities constitutes discrimination in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. #Olmstead25 #CommunityLiving #ADA #HCBS