Health
Health
We work to ensure that all children have equitable access to whole-health care and support that meets their physical, emotional and psycho-social needs. We aim to dismantle the barriers to care that children and youth experience, including involvement in foster care or juvenile justice systems, implicit bias in the health system, and housing or economic instability.
Center Youth
NCYL convenes a Youth Advisory Board made up of current and former foster youth who lead strategies to ensure all young people in foster care receive appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and support. Additionally, our policy work engages youth through community-based partners, and we work directly with youth to file litigation.
Legal Advocacy & Impact Litigation
Laws & Policy
Press Coverage
New law on mental health curriculum goes into effect with start of the new year
EdSource
Newsom’s call: Governor’s final say on the top 21 bills of ’21
Cal Matters
CA signs bills allowing students access to mental health education, support at schools
ABC 7 News
Governor Signs Portantino’s Mental Health Education Bills Into Law
Pasadena Now
Why California teens need mental illness education
San Francisco Examiner
Mental Health Education Bill Authored by Senator Portantino Approved by Legislature, Heads to Governor’s Desk
Pasadena Now
Related Resources
Telling Our Own Stories: Former Foster Youth Experiences With Barriers And Healing During Covid-19
School Mental Health 101: A Primer for Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans
Guidance for Mental Health Professionals Serving Unaccompanied Children Released from Government Custody
Meeting the Moment: Improving EPSDT Implementation in California to Address Growing Mental Health Needs
Supporting the Mental Health of Youth in Juvenile Court - Resource Guide and Bench Cards
Where We Focus
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Help us realize our mission to Center Youth and create a world where every child thrives.