California Alliance of Child and Family Services

11/25/2025

Native American Heritage Month reminds us that equity begins with respect, inclusion, and partnership. We recommit to uplifting Native youth, families, and communities through culturally grounded services and collaboration rooted in trust and understanding.

11/24/2025

California took an important step this year to prevent su***de and save lives. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed by Assemblymember Assemblymember James C. Ramos sponsored by Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services which directs Caltrans to identify best practices for su***de deterrent measures on bridges and overpasses by 2028.

As Lyn Morris of Didi Hirsch noted in her The Sacramento Bee op-ed, su***de is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24 according to 2023 CDC data. Research shows that bridge barriers and nets can reduce su***des by as much as 77 percent, and the Golden Gate Bridge has already seen a 73 percent reduction since adding its deterrent net.

Didi Hirsch’s leadership was instrumental in advancing AB 440, ensuring California invests in proven strategies that interrupt the path from suicidal thoughts to action and create safer communities statewide. We are grateful this bill is now law and proud to stand with our member in championing evidence-based prevention.

Read the full article here:

“When barriers are in place, most people do not seek a different location or choose another way to end their life.”

11/23/2025

The CA Alliance congratulates our member organizations selected in the latest PATH CITED funding round from DHCS, which awarded $145.5 million statewide to strengthen ECM and Community Supports.

Congratulations to:
Koinonia Family Services
Seneca Family of Agencies
Wayfinder Family Services
Aspiranet
Children First Foster Family Agency
Redwood Community Services
Children's Institute
Casa Pacifica

These organizations continue to provide essential, community-based services that improve the well-being of children, youth, and families across California. This new funding will help them deepen their impact and expand access to person-centered care in the communities they serve.
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/oc/Pages/25-28-PATH-Cited-Round-4-Awards-11-18-25.aspx@@@

Department of Health Care Services

11/22/2025

Today is A day when thousands of children and families across the nation officially join together through adoption. We celebrate the families, youth, and advocates who make these life-changing connections possible.

11/22/2025

Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, supportive home. During , we celebrate the families who have opened their hearts and the organizations across California helping youth find lifelong connections and healing.

11/21/2025

Rural California students face some of the highest mental health risks in the nation, with youth su***de rates nearly 50% higher than in urban and suburban areas. As CalMatters.org reported yesterday, many go months without care because the nearest provider may be 50 to 100 miles away and most rural counties lack essential mental health professionals.

Peer support programs offer a practical way to close this gap. Trained student supporters make it easier for youth to seek help and stay connected, yet many rural schools still do not have access to these programs even with Behavioral Health Services Act funding available.

The California Alliance supports statewide expansion of mental health education and peer support. Senator Susan Rubio has advanced this work through efforts like , and we appreciate her leadership in ensuring every student has someone to turn to. No young person should face a mental health challenge alone because of geography.

Read the full CalMatters article here:

Su***de is 50% higher among rural young people than among others in urban or suburban environments. Many also live too far to get counseling.

11/20/2025

Today we remember and honor the transgender lives lost to violence — and we recommit to ensuring that every youth, regardless of gender identity, has the opportunity to live safely, authentically, and with dignity.

11/20/2025

California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) has issued a statement on HUD’s new Continuum of Care Notice of Funding Opportunity NOFO. As members of the Cal ICH Advisory Committee, we stand firmly with the Council and strongly support the concerns they have raised.

HUD’s federally imposed 30 percent cap on permanent housing could cost California $250 to $300 million annually for permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing. New mandatory service or treatment requirements also conflict with California’s Housing First law and decades of research. These changes place older adults, families, veterans, people with disabilities, transition-aged youth, and households connected to Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, and child welfare systems at serious risk.

“We are sounding the alarm,” said Cal ICH Co-Chair and BCSH Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The federal government’s new cap on permanent housing would strip away the core of California’s homelessness response and jeopardize the stability of more than 170,000 people nationwide.

We will continue to stand with our partners in protecting what works. Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency

Read the full statement here:

11/20/2025

On , we honor the transgender and gender-expansive individuals whose lives were taken by violence. The CA Alliance stands committed to building safe, affirming systems where every young person can live freely and without fear.

11/19/2025

This , we honor the history, traditions, and strength of Indigenous peoples. The CA Alliance stands with Tribal partners in advancing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that respects sovereignty and strengthens Native youth and families.