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
Mental Health Education Bill Authored by Senator Portantino Approved by Legislature, Heads to Governor’s Desk
Pasadena Now
Hundreds of mentally ill D.C. children ‘needlessly institutionalized,’ lawsuit says
Washington Post
Schools Sued For Sending Students With Disabilities To Psych Wards
Disability Scoop
Palm Beach County schools sued over their use of Baker Act to send kids to psych wards
Palm Beach Post
State reaches deal to improve education, mental services for incarcerated youths
CT Mirror
Schools face mental health crisis among students as pandemic trauma remains
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
Contribute Today
Help us realize our mission to Center Youth and create a world where every child thrives.