2023-12-22 13:45:00
SACRAMENTO — As part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Children’s Mental Health Master Plan, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) on Thursday awarded $150 million in grants to 262 organizations to support the mental health and well-being of children. children, youth and young adults.
The State of California also introduced the Certified Wellness Coach program and website to support overall physical, emotional and mental well-being and create a more diverse behavioral health workforce to serve children and youth.
“As California children struggle with mental health issues, we are creating the support they need, in their schools and communities, to improve their health and well-being.
“These investments are becoming a reality through a diverse workforce that reaches all communities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
“That is why we are launching a new program to recruit coaches in this space and support the well-being of all children and young adults,” he added.
Through $150 million in grants to 262 organizations to support the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and young adults, California is improving access to critical behavioral health interventions and services, including those focused on prevention, culturally responsive early intervention and resilience, as well as recovery.
The package includes $100 million for trauma-informed practices and programs designed to address the impact of trauma and support the resilience of children and youth by mitigating the adverse effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Through this award, DHCS is expanding program-informed access to behavioral health services in multiple settings across 58 California counties.
The project calls for $50 million for youth-driven programs, designed to provide a safe space for youth and young adults (ages 12-25) by expanding youth-driven community center programs, where youth can access a variety of services and supports in one place and other youth-led practices.
DHCS, in collaboration with the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, is expanding youth-driven programs in 30 California counties.
“The mental health crisis, particularly among young people, is one of the most important public health concerns of our time.
“Through investments in the behavioral health care workforce and innovative partnerships between government and community organizations, we are building the support infrastructure necessary to reach California children and families where they are to ensure they have the services comprehensive behavioral health care programs that need to not only survive but thrive,” said First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
allcove youth centers aim to increase access to affordable mental health and wellbeing services (for young people aged 12-25 and their families) including behavioral health, physical health, housing, education, employment support and linkage to other services .
They will provide culturally competent and relevant services to vulnerable and marginalized youth populations, including, but not limited to, LGBTQ+, homeless, and Indigenous youth.
The design of allcove™ centers will be youth-driven with their continued involvement through the establishment of allcove youth advisory groups.
The overall goal of funding allcove centers is to reduce suicide and suicidal ideation, homelessness, unemployment, and school failure.
DHCS Director Michelle Baass said: “Early intervention programs and practices that aim to address and mitigate the impacts of trauma offer a solution and a step in the right direction for California children, youth and families.”
According to the official, youth-driven programs are an important community support because they are designed with, by and for youth and young adults to help reduce stigma, embrace mental well-being and increase community connection.
The new Certified Wellness Coach program will work in schools and with community organizations, supporting existing clinical staff and care teams, to provide wellness promotion, education, support and referral services to all California youth.
The Department of Health Care Information and Access is working with state universities and community colleges to develop a curriculum that will be available in fall 2024 for interested candidates without prior education or experience.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Mark Ghaly said: “The Certified Wellness Coach program is an integral component of our work to reimagine and build a stronger, more effective ecosystem of behavioral health services and supports for children and youth in California. This work has only been possible thanks to the collaboration of our many partners.”
The Wellness Coach certificate will initially be free when it launches in 2024.
Annual scholarships will be available to assist with educational and related expenses, and employer support grants will be available to help organizations hire new Wellness Coaches.
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