California Alliance of Child & Family Services

We are so proud to see Children's Institute featured in a new brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies "Braiding Medi-Cal Funds to Sustain Aging, Disability, Housing, and Behavioral Health Services." This report highlights how innovative organizations are weaving together funding streams to provide more comprehensive, person-centered care. Children's Institute is a standout example of this forward-thinking approach in action! Here is what the brief recognized • Using a "stacking" strategy, they braid Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports with other funding to offer a multi-generational approach, extending services to family members of existing clients. • Their "case conference" model acts like an "air traffic controller" for client services. An ECM care manager, housing navigator, and therapist collaborate to ensure care is perfectly coordinated from the client's perspective. • Leveraging infrastructure grants like CalAIM’s PATH CITED, they've built robust systems to manage complex billing and reporting, creating a sustainable model for the future. Dive into the full brief to learn from Children's Institute and other CA organizations leading the way: https://lnkd.in/gUsGkfCi

We're excited to share a new, visually engaging summary of our latest research, "Classrooms and Communities." This two-page document summarizes key insights on how partnerships between schools and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) are creating a powerful response to the youth mental health crisis. Discover the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned from these collaborative efforts. Get the big picture and then dive into the full research brief to explore the in-depth findings and recommendations. Learn more here:https://lnkd.in/gr-aj4t8

The U.S. Department of Education executed a sweeping dismantling of its Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) over the weekend by issuing Reduction in Force notices that will terminate the positions of all but 2 or 3 OSEP. This move leaves no oversight on how states use IDEA dollars, ensure schools meet their legal obligations, or protect families when their children’s rights are violated. The very infrastructure that has upheld decades of disability rights is now gone. The nonprofit community of child advocates, special education, and disability rights is alarmed by the U.S. Department of Education’s decision over the weekend to dismantle OSEP. The CA Alliance, together with Disability Rights California and the CAPSES (California Association of Private Special Education Services) demand the continued protection and enforcement of the rights of children and families that OSEP was created to uphold. Students with disabilities, and the families, educators, and providers who support them, deserve more than promises. They deserve protection with power behind them. Read our full statement below, and stay tuned for future advocacy opportunities. https://lnkd.in/gbthZu74

We are so proud to see Children's Institute featured in a new brief from the Center for Health Care Strategies "Braiding Medi-Cal Funds to Sustain Aging, Disability, Housing, and Behavioral Health Services." This report highlights how innovative organizations are weaving together funding streams to provide more comprehensive, person-centered care. Children's Institute is a standout example of this forward-thinking approach in action! Here is what the brief recognized • Using a "stacking" strategy, they braid Enhanced Care Management (ECM) and Community Supports with other funding to offer a multi-generational approach, extending services to family members of existing clients. • Their "case conference" model acts like an "air traffic controller" for client services. An ECM care manager, housing navigator, and therapist collaborate to ensure care is perfectly coordinated from the client's perspective. • Leveraging infrastructure grants like CalAIM’s PATH CITED, they've built robust systems to manage complex billing and reporting, creating a sustainable model for the future. Dive into the full brief to learn from Children's Institute and other CA organizations leading the way: https://lnkd.in/gUsGkfCi

We had an incredible site visit with Sycamores on Friday! Thank you for welcoming us along with Office of Youth and Community Restoration Director Lucero and team. Seeing first hand Sycamore's dedication and commitment to helping children and families thrive is so valuable to the CA Alliance and our team. We are very proud to have you as a member.

#AB440 is now law. A recent article from the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin details how this bill, authored by Assemblymember James Ramos and sponsored by our member Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services will combat suicide on state infrastructure. The law requires identifying high-risk locations & reporting on prevention strategies—a critical, data-driven response to tragedy. Thank you to Didi Hirsch for your leadership and to Asm. Ramos for your commitment. This is a life-saving victory for CA. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gD3aydSt

On the verge of 170 years, our member agency Maryvale is a beacon of hope and change in LA. As featured in Arroyo Monthly Magazine their journey from an 1856 orphanage to a modern multiservice agency is inspiring. CEO Steve Gunther says it best: "Gunther said. “We believe in what we do and we believe our programs are high-quality. The more folks that we can offer that to, the better.” The California Alliance is profoundly honored to work with and support Maryvale. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to healing, educating, and empowering the children and families who need it most. Your work changes lives. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gdrbQShH

Thank you, Boys Republic! Today the Boys Republic welcomed us along with the Office of Youth and Community Restoration director and team for a site visit along with shared a closer look at their impactful work supporting youth through education, counseling, and vocational training. We’re grateful for their dedication to helping young people build brighter futures and for your continued partnership in strengthening California’s child and family services community. Thank you to everyone who joined. And of course thank you for the coffee cake!

Big news for LGBTQ youth in California! Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 727, authored by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, into law, requiring all student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include The Trevor Project crisis hotline number. With 35% of LGBTQ youth in California seriously considering suicide last year, this law ensures students have lifesaving support right in their hands every day. The CA Alliance was a proud supporter of this critical bill!

It’s time to break the stigma! We understand that mental health is crucial for the well-being of all, especially foster youth who often carry the burden of trauma and instability. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we want to raise awareness about the importance of trauma-informed care and advocating for accessible mental health services for youth in foster care. Together, we can make a lasting difference.