California Alliance of Child & Family Services

Last week, we had the privilege of presenting at CALACAP's 2024 Fall Advocacy Day, hosted by the California Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children Now, and NAMI It was a day of collaboration and learning at the Green Hills Country Club, where we shared CA Alliance priorities and worked together to shape the future of mental health advocacy for children, adolescents, and families in California.

Casa Pacifica continues to inspire hope and nurture well-being for children, youth, and families as the largest nonprofit provider of mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. Their impact is transformational, from crisis intervention to therapeutic services, helping youth like Norah find their path to healing and growth. Discover more about their mission, impactful programs, and the lives they’re transforming in this recent Noozhawk profile https://lnkd.in/gx5QzGdB

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services and the Catalyst Center are thrilled to announce a Request for Proposals for the 2025 Advocacy in Action: Bridging Policy & Practice Conference! Event Date: February 24-27, 2025 Location: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, California This conference will bring together professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and families across California. We’re looking for proposals in these key areas: - Practice Implementation: Safe & Secure Housing, School-Based Mental Health, Serving LGBTQ+ - Policy &-Advocacy: Equity Conversations in Policy, Building a Crisis - HR/CFO: Employment Law & Compliance, Employee Wellness Practices If you’re a thought leader, practitioner, or someone with innovative solutions to share, we want to hear from you! Submission Requirements & Details: Visit our presentation submission page here: https://shorturl.at/tHhjX Questions? Reach out to Ivon Favela, Deputy Director of Training, at [email protected] Deadline: Monday, December 2nd (by 11:59pm ET)

Today, California joins the nation and the world in commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to honor the lives lost to violence and bigotry against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. At the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, we serve foster family agencies and support some of California’s most vulnerable children and families. This includes affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ youth who face heightened risks of discrimination and violence. Together, we continue to build communities grounded in respect, acceptance, and shared values that protect every individual’s right to live authentically. Let us reflect on the courage of those who live their truth, the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and our collective responsibility to create a safer, more inclusive future. #TDOR https://lnkd.in/ge7yH3WS

Yesterday, at the California State Association of Counties? Annual Meeting in Los Angeles County, California Alliance CEO Chris Stoner-Mertz participated in a panel discussion on the ongoing insurance crisis impacting Foster Family Agencies across the state. Chris was joined by Claire Ramsey, Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Social Services, Kym Renner, Deputy Director at Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, and Amber Rivas, Chief Executive Officer of Aviva Family and Children's Services, to shed light on this issue and explore solutions. With over 9,700 foster youth relying on FFAs for safety and stability, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The panel highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies and efforts to address the insurance challenges threatening these agencies. Thank you to CSAC for hosting this dialogue and to all the leaders committed to ensuring a brighter future for foster youth across California. Let’s continue working together to safeguard the programs and services that so many depend on. #CSACAM #9700ReasonsToAct

We are proud to spotlight Pacific Clinics and their incredible work in advancing #MentalHealth awareness. Rachel Riphagen, PsyD, Wraparound Services Director, recently joined Assemblymember James Ramos on his podcast, Empowering California, to discuss mental health topics, including: - Misconceptions, such as the belief that children are unaffected by mental health issues - The ongoing evolution of research and understanding of mental health diagnoses - And the persistent stigma surrounding mental health challenges Rachel’s passion for fostering understanding and breaking barriers shines through in her words: "I hope for a world where people see each other fully—the challenges, strengths, and resilience." Tune into the episode and be inspired by Rachel's vision for a stigma-free future: https://heyor.ca/iUPD5Q

Happy National Adoption Month! We’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of our member Stanford Sierra Youth & Families, who support youth and families through adoption journeys marked by courage, resilience, and love. This month, we’re sharing Darren’s story. From navigating trauma to building bonds with his adoptive family, Darren’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community, compassion, and belonging. His story is an inspiration to us all. Join us in celebrating the young people, families, and advocates who make adoption so meaningful. Read Darren’s full story here: https://lnkd.in/gsRRwpEU #NationalAdoptionMonth #NationalAdoptionDay

"I've never actually felt supported by an agency before until I came here. It's the most supported I've ever felt when I asked for help." Our Third Place is truly a safe space for youth in our community ?? Visit our website to learn about the center, programming, and more: https://ourthirdplace.org/ Pictured: Youth from Penny Lane Centers Housing Program at Our Third Place. #DidiHirsch #OurThirdPlace #Glendale #YouthCenter #YouthMentalHealth

We're excited to see our member, Vista Del Mar, take this step forward with their new partnership with the Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Los Angeles Foundation! This collaboration is a powerful example of community-driven change, with a focus on supporting youth facing substance use challenges. Vista Del Mar's upcoming treatment center on their West LA campus will be a lifeline for young people and families impacted by the drug abuse crisis. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will make in Los Angeles and beyond!

California’s AB 665 ensures that youth on Medi-Cal can access vital mental health services without requiring parental consent, leveling the playing field with privately insured youth. This bill is a huge step toward equitable mental health access, especially benefiting BIPOC and LGBTQ youth who historically face significant barriers to care. The AB 665 Fact Sheet covers: - Guidance for youth to access Medi-Cal mental health services independently - A clear overview of AB 665 and how it enables mental health consent parity - Resources for youth if services are denied Since going into effect in July 2024, AB 665 has empowered youth aged 12+ enrolled in Medi-Cal to take charge of their mental health. Let’s spread the word and support young Californians in getting the care they need. Read the AB 665 Fact Sheet for details:?https://shorturl.at/2PL3A California Children's Trust Cal Voices The Children's Partnership (TCP) GENup National Center for Youth Law National Health Law Program