California Alliance of Child & Family Services

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

CA Alliance Budget Statement We are encouraged by the recent budget agreement that protects vulnerable foster youth from instability and homelessness. This significant step forward ensures vital support programs, such as the Family Urgent Response System (FURS) and the Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP) program, continue to provide crucial assistance. For the first time in 30 years, the agreement includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Foster Family Agencies (FFAs), allowing them to continue their invaluable role in supporting foster families amid rising costs. However, there is still work to be done. We remain committed to advocating for the necessary bridge funding to support FFAs until the full rate reform is implemented in 2027. This funding is essential to keep these vital agencies afloat, enabling them to hire and retain top-flight staff and invest in the best programming to meet the complex needs of our most vulnerable population. We are grateful to California’s leaders for listening to the concerns of non-profit foster care agencies and taking steps to protect the well-being of foster youth. We will continue to push for sustainable funding solutions to ensure that foster care rate reform succeeds in supporting youth and families' success. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for foster youth and families. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our advocacy efforts. Read or statement here. https://lnkd.in/gF7ZFx5U

Today, on Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Day, we join hands with the California Tribal Families Coalition to honor and uphold the protections granted by ICWA. This vital legislation ensures the well-being of Native children by preserving their cultural heritage and promoting the stability and security of Indian tribes and families. The mission of the California Tribal Families Coalition is to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of tribal children and families—core functions of tribal sovereignty and governance. Together, we are committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Native children, ensuring they grow up in environments that reflect their unique cultural values. Join us in recognizing the importance of ICWA and supporting the ongoing efforts to protect tribal families. US Indian Affairs #ICWA #ICWADay

Celebrating Sycamores: Nonprofit of the Year! We are thrilled to recognize one of our esteemed member organizations, Sycamores a child and family services agency, for being honored as the Nonprofit of the Year for the 25th State Senate District by Senator Anthony Portantino! This prestigious award, presented during the Nonprofits Day celebration at the California State Capitol, underscores the remarkable impact Sycamores has on the community. President/CEO Debra Manners and Chief Public Policy & Advocacy Officer Wendy Wang represented Sycamores at the event in Sacramento. Join us in celebrating Sycamores for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and adults. Their legacy of compassion and dedication is truly inspiring. #Sycamores #CommunityService #ChildWelfare

Join us at the 2024 California Child and Family Services Conference from Tuesday, September 3rd to Friday, September 6th, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA.! This conference is designed to unite professionals from child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, education, and related fields to create actionable solutions for children and families who are often overlooked and underserved. Attendees will benefit from over 35 impactful sessions, alongside workshops, networking events, and engaging activities. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise, earn Continuing Education Units, build significant connections, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. Register today and be a part of this transformative three-day event! https://lnkd.in/g3CTf7Wb  

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that one of our esteemed board members, Lorna Little, has received the NAACP Los Angeles Humanitarian Award! This honor is a testament to her lifelong commitment to uplifting the community and making a positive impact through their work in nonprofit, coaching, speaking, and television production. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and read Lorna's heartfelt reflection on this journey https://lnkd.in/dGEh3mbC. Congratulations once again, and thank you for your relentless efforts to make a difference in the lives of foster youth and vulnerable populations. Your leadership and passion inspire us all!

We were pleased to join in the Senate Galley to show our support for SCR 141, a resolution sponsored by Scott Wiener and Anthony Portantino, with co-authors Senator Bob Archuleta, Senator Dave Cortese, Senator Bill Dodd, Senator Tom Umberg, Senator Aisha Wahab, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, and Senator Caroline Menjivar. This important resolution recognizes May 2024 as National Mental Health Awareness Month in California. Mental Health Awareness Month allows us to celebrate our state's tremendous strides in promoting mental health and increasing public awareness that effective services and support are available. This month also provides a critical opportunity to acknowledge the rapidly evolving mental health crisis that continues to impact our state. SCR 141 serves as a potent reminder that we must prioritize increasing access to mental health services and work tirelessly to change the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, from emotional and psychological well-being to social interactions and how we handle stress. The resolution highlights the importance of mental health for maintaining relationships, taking care of ourselves and our families, and adapting to daily life changes. The statistics are staggering: one in six youth in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder each year, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people. In California, nearly 60,000 children are in the foster care system, many of whom struggle with mental health challenges and lack the support needed to transition successfully. We must enhance public awareness of mental illness, encourage primary care physicians to offer screenings, and promote timely and accurate diagnoses. By recognizing May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, SCR 141 aims to elevate the conversation around mental health and ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they need. Join us in supporting this vital resolution and help us spread the word about the importance of mental health. Together, we can break the stigma and make mental health a priority for everyone.

We were pleased to join in the Senate Galley to show our support for SCR 141, a resolution sponsored by Scott Wiener and Anthony Portantino, with co-authors Senator Bob Archuleta, Senator Dave Cortese, Senator Bill Dodd, Senator Tom Umberg, Senator Aisha Wahab, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez, and Senator Caroline Menjivar. This important resolution recognizes May 2024 as National Mental Health Awareness Month in California. Mental Health Awareness Month allows us to celebrate our state's tremendous strides in promoting mental health and increasing public awareness that effective services and support are available. This month also provides a critical opportunity to acknowledge the rapidly evolving mental health crisis that continues to impact our state. SCR 141 serves as a potent reminder that we must prioritize increasing access to mental health services and work tirelessly to change the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Mental health impacts every aspect of our lives, from emotional and psychological well-being to social interactions and how we handle stress. The resolution highlights the importance of mental health for maintaining relationships, taking care of ourselves and our families, and adapting to daily life changes. The statistics are staggering: one in six youth in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder each year, and suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people. In California, nearly 60,000 children are in the foster care system, many of whom struggle with mental health challenges and lack the support needed to transition successfully. We must enhance public awareness of mental illness, encourage primary care physicians to offer screenings, and promote timely and accurate diagnoses. By recognizing May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, SCR 141 aims to elevate the conversation around mental health and ensure that all individuals receive the care and support they need. Join us in supporting this vital resolution and help us spread the word about the importance of mental health. Together, we can break the stigma and make mental health a priority for everyone.