California Alliance of Child and Family Services

04/19/2026

The California Alliance is proud to sponsor Mental Health Matters Day on May 13, 2026 at the California State Capitol Park.

Join advocates, providers, and community leaders advancing mental health awareness across California.
Register and learn more: mhac.org/mental-health-matters-day/

04/19/2026

We are proud to highlight the work of Two Feathers Native American Family Services, a valued member of the CA Alliance.

Their recent feature underscores how culturally grounded approaches are making a difference for Native youth facing mental health challenges in Humboldt County. By integrating clinical services with cultural practices, mentorship, and leadership development, Two Feathers is creating pathways for healing, connection, and long-term resilience.

We are grateful to count Two Feathers among our members and to support organizations that are rooted in their communities and committed to improving outcomes for children, youth, and families across California.

Read the full piece here:

“In Humboldt County, where Native communities face some of the most acute mental health challenges in California, Two Feathers Native American Family Services is taking a different approach…

04/18/2026

The CA Alliance is proud to support Mind Out Loud 2026, a national online event focused on student mental wellness and youth voice.

On May 20, more than 10,000 students ages 13 and older are expected to come together for a 75-minute interactive experience designed to build real-life coping strategies, healthier digital habits, and help-seeking skills.

This work aligns with what we know to be true. Youth behavioral health needs are rising, and schools and community partners play a critical role in equipping young people with tools to navigate stress, identity, and connection.

Learn more and register: https://www.wellnesstogether.org/mindoutloud/mol26

Discover sponsorship opportunities to support student mental health at the Wellness Together Conference. Join us to make a meaningful impact in education and mental health.

04/18/2026

We congratulate Shannon Minter on being named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026.

For more than three decades, Shannon has been a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, advancing landmark legal victories and shaping public policy that protects and affirms communities across the country. His leadership in cases including marriage equality and protections for LGBTQ+ youth has had a lasting impact in California and nationwide.

The California Alliance recognizes and appreciates the critical role Shannon and the National Center for Le***an Rights have played in advancing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including youth and families served by our members.

Read Shannon's profile: https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people/2026/shannon-minter/

The National Center for LGBTQ Rights

Find out why Shannon Minter is one of the 100 most influential people of 2026.

04/18/2026

Over $2 billion invested.

Over the past four years, the state has made a historic investment in bringing community-based organizations into Medi-Cal through CalAIM — building the infrastructure to address food, housing, care management, and other health-related social needs.

In a new Center for Care Innovations report, CBO Medi-Cal Coalition: 2026 Pulse Check: Uplifting the Role of Community Providers in Medi-Cal, we take a close look at what that investment has built — and what is now at risk.

Read the Report: https://careinnovations.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/E0000000dnJh/a/QU0000085Gab/1lNp70SKeLF3Qhd2.BJIrYXR2pGRQ9IalAjz7Dk.QYg

Drawing on a statewide survey, interviews, and provider workshops, the report highlights the crucial role CBOs play in helping deliver on the promise of CalAIM, as well as the major challenges these providers face as they work to sustain that role.

2026 will be a pivotal year for Medi-Cal. The question now is whether California will build on the capacity it has created. CBOs are essential to improving health equity and outcomes by addressing health-related social needs, providing care management, and strengthening local economies and community capacity across the state.

04/17/2026

Important reporting from the Press Democrat on the future of mobile crisis teams: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/04/11/california-mobile-crisis-teams-funding-crisis/

“They’re going to have to shut down all or part of their mobile crisis response.”

That warning reflects the real consequences of the proposed funding shift. Mobile crisis teams are helping divert people away from law enforcement involvement and emergency departments, providing more appropriate and less traumatic care.

We join the California Behavioral Health Directors Association in urging a path forward that protects these critical services.

CBHDA
Press Democrat

The proposed shift would shoulder counties with as much as $130 million annually to sustain the programs. For many, it would open a gap they can’t fill.

04/17/2026

We were proud to support by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin and sponsored by Didi Hirsch. AB 1988 establishes essential safety standards for artificial intelligence companion chatbots when users express suicidal ideation or intent to harm themselves or others.

Crisis intervention research shows that timely human intervention during suicidal ideation can significantly reduce risk of harm, often within minutes. This bill provides a measured, evidence-based approach to reducing foreseeable and preventable harm while reinforcing the role of trained human care in moments of crisis.

Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services

04/16/2026

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, we’re lifting up Pinwheels of Possibility—a symbol of hope, care, and the brighter futures that become possible when families are surrounded by support.

When we invest in families early and often, we do more than prevent harm—we help build a future where all children and families can thrive, today and for generations to come.

04/16/2026

A recent piece from the Press Democrat highlights what is at stake for California’s mobile crisis teams: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/04/11/california-mobile-crisis-teams-funding-crisis/

These teams operate 24/7, reduce law enforcement involvement, and help people avoid hospitalization and incarceration. Yet the proposed state budget would shift up to $130M in annual costs to counties, putting these programs at serious risk and creating a patchwork of “haves and have-nots.”

We stand with partners like the California Behavioral Health Directors Association in recognizing that these services are essential to a humane and effective behavioral health system.

CBHDA
Press Democrat

The proposed shift would shoulder counties with as much as $130 million annually to sustain the programs. For many, it would open a gap they can’t fill.