September 19, 2024

Last week, the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $55 million to 54 organizations and entities through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). Awarded organizations include local First 5 Commissions, county health and social services agencies, schools, and other organizations. The funding provided through these awards will expand access to early childhood mental health and wellness services, including services focused on prevention, early intervention, and resiliency/recovery for children and youth, with a specific focus on children and youth from disenfranchised communities. 

CYBHI is a multi-year $4.6 billion initiative intended to promote well-being, prevent behavioral health challenges, and provide access services for mental health and substance use needs for children and youth ages 0-25. Models funded through the most recent awards include, but are not limited to, Healthy Families America, Nurse-Family Partnership, Family Spirit, Parents as Teachers, select components of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, and a variety of other early childhood wraparound services.