In a proactive move to tackle the growing mental health crisis among children and young adults, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health is now in action. The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has announced the allocation of $150 million in grants to 262 organizations, marking a significant investment in the mental health and wellness of children, youth, and young adults across the state.
Certified Wellness Coach Program Launched
In conjunction with this initiative, California is introducing the Certified Wellness Coach program and website, a groundbreaking step toward fostering overall physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This innovative program aims to build a more diverse behavioral health workforce dedicated to supporting children and youth.
Governor Newsom emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive support for children grappling with mental health challenges, stating, “As children across California struggle with mental health challenges, we are building the supports they need – in their schools and communities – to improve their health and well-being.”
Grants Allocated to Address Critical Areas
The $150 million grants are strategically allocated to address crucial aspects of mental health interventions and services:
- $100 Million for Trauma-Informed Practices and Programs: This substantial investment is designed to tackle the impact of trauma on children and youth, promoting resilience and mitigating adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The funding will expand access to trauma-informed behavioral health services across 58 California counties.
- $50 Million for Youth-Driven Programs: Focused on creating safe spaces for youth and young adults (ages 12-25), this allocation aims to expand youth-driven community center programs. These centers provide comprehensive services in a single location, responding to the specific needs of young people in 30 California counties.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom acknowledged the gravity of the mental health crisis, particularly among youth, and highlighted the importance of investments in the behavioral health care workforce. She emphasized the role of innovative partnerships between government and community-based organizations in building a robust support infrastructure.
The funds will support initiatives like the allcove™ youth drop-in centers, which target affordable mental health and wellness services for vulnerable youth populations. These centers, designed by and for youth, aim to reduce suicide rates, homelessness, unemployment, and school failure.
To further enhance the mental health support system, California introduces the Certified Wellness Coach program. This program will launch in 2024 and will operate in schools and community-based organizations. It will support existing clinical staff and care teams in providing wellness promotion, education, support, and referral services to all California youth.
On Twitter, people are not impressed by this. One person voiced their opinion: “This sounds like another scam to line the pockets of corrupt politicians and their friends.”
Another added: “Stealing tax payer money, creating problems to destroy families and separating children from parents is their game!”
Others are questioning how is this possible: “$150 million? From where? Does
Gavin Newsom have a money-printing machine in his office?”
“Does this add to your $70 Billion debt?” And another person jokingly added: “Will this help kids improve their math and reading scores?”
Free Certificates and Scholarships to Come in The Future
The Wellness Coach certificate, initially free upon launch in 2024, demonstrates California’s commitment to accessibility. Annual scholarships will ease educational expenses, and employer support grants will assist organizations in hiring new Wellness Coaches.
Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly emphasized the collaborative efforts behind these initiatives, stating, “This work has only been possible because of the collaboration of our many partners.” California’s multifaceted approach reflects a commitment to reimagining and fortifying a more effective behavioral health ecosystem for children and youth.
As California takes seemingly impressive strides to address mental health challenges among its youth, we can only watch to see if this plan will create lasting positive impacts on the well-being of children and young adults.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you consider this a positive move? How can other states learn from California’s approach to youth mental health, especially regarding the Certified Wellness Coach program and its potential impact on overall well-being?
