CAYEN will continue to be involved in the planning and implementation of the MHSA at the state and county levels, but we wish to take a moment to discuss a few of the more than 500 bills that have been introduced by the California legislature thus far.
CAYEN Supports
CA AB 719 AUTHOR: Lowenthal B (D)
TITLE: Transitional Food Stamps for Foster Youth
INTRODUCED: 02/26/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Creates the Transitional Food Stamps for Foster Youth Program. Provides independent foster
care adolescents who are not eligible for CalWORKs or SSI benefits, with eligibility for food
stamps without regard to income or resources.
STATUS:
02/26/2009 INTRODUCED.
CA AB 767 AUTHOR: Ammiano (D)
TITLE: Homeless Youth: Counseling Services
INTRODUCED: 02/26/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Requires counties to provide counseling services to homeless and at-risk youth.
STATUS:
02/26/2009 INTRODUCED.
Position: Support
CA SB 516 AUTHOR: DeSaulnier (D)
TITLE: California Youth Legislature
INTRODUCED: 02/26/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: SENATE
SUMMARY:
Establishes the California Youth Legislature to provide model legislation and advocate for the needs of youth. Authorizes an interagency agreement with a state entity to carry out necessary functions.
STATUS:
02/26/2009 INTRODUCED.
CA SB 543 AUTHOR: Leno (D)
TITLE: Minors: Consent to Mental Health Treatment
INTRODUCED: 02/27/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Judiciary Committee
SUMMARY:
Authorizes a minor to consent to mental health treatment or counseling on an outpatient basis, or to residential shelter services. Requires that the mental health treatment or counseling of a minor include the involvement of the minor's parent or legal guardian if appropriate.
STATUS:
03/12/2009 To SENATE Committee on JUDICIARY.
CA SB 24 c AUTHOR: Alquist (D)
TITLE: Health Care Coverage: Children
INTRODUCED: 02/10/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Rules Committee
SUMMARY:
States the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation implementing the federal Children's
Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.
STATUS:
02/10/2009 INTRODUCED.
02/10/2009 To SENATE Committee on RULES.
CAYEN Opposes
CA SB 25 c AUTHOR: Cox (R)
TITLE: Children and Families Program: Funding
INTRODUCED: 02/10/2009
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Rules Committee
SUMMARY:
Eliminates, subject to voter approval, percentages for allocations to various accounts for
expenditures of the State Children and Families Commission for various subjects relating to,
and furthering the goals and purposes of the Children and Families Program. Provides that
such funds shall be transferred to the General Fund for appropriation for purposes of the
Health Families Program and the Medi-Cal program. Provides for distribution of funds held by
county children and families commissions.
STATUS:
02/10/2009 INTRODUCED.
02/10/2009 To SENATE Committee on RULES.
More to come soon!!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Suicide Rates Among TAY See Largest Increase After A Decade of Significant Decline
After over a decade of decline in the suicide rate among adolescents and young adults, a 28.5% decrease between 1990 and 2003, we experienced the largest one year increase in suicides in 2004 since 1993. Between 2003 and 2004 an 8% increase in the suicide rate among 10-24 year olds made it the third leading cause of death for this age group. In 2005 (the most recent year for which the CDC has data available), we saw a modest decrease of 2.5%.
The largest increase in the total number of suicide-related deaths was for adolescents ages 15-19 but the largest rate increase was for females ages 10-14; an increase of 76%.
Many people have suggested that the increased use of antidepressants could have something to do with the increase since it was discovered that the use of antidepressant drugs could increase the chances of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and teenagers. But Psychiatrists believe that the “black-box” warning labels required on all antidepressants by the FDA in 2004, scared many people away from effective forms of treatment and may have been the more probable explanation for the increased number of suicides in recent years.
As much as it is important to understand the reasons for the increase in suicides, it is more important for friends and family members to recognize the warning signs. Friends and families should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking one's life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future. It is also important to be aware of changes in eating or sleeping habits and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities. If you do notice these warning signs, be there for the person by helping them to seek help with someone the person trusts.
A way to help stop suicides is to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and depression. The more people are willing to talk about mental health, the more we can help curb this devastating loss of life.
Click on the links below to read more about the research findings. To find out more about where you an go for help, visit our website www.ca-yen.org, or www.mhac.org
Get Involved to be a Part of the Solution!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20620477/
http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/1301905.html
http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/leadcaus10.html
The largest increase in the total number of suicide-related deaths was for adolescents ages 15-19 but the largest rate increase was for females ages 10-14; an increase of 76%.
Many people have suggested that the increased use of antidepressants could have something to do with the increase since it was discovered that the use of antidepressant drugs could increase the chances of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and teenagers. But Psychiatrists believe that the “black-box” warning labels required on all antidepressants by the FDA in 2004, scared many people away from effective forms of treatment and may have been the more probable explanation for the increased number of suicides in recent years.
As much as it is important to understand the reasons for the increase in suicides, it is more important for friends and family members to recognize the warning signs. Friends and families should look for changes in youth such as talking about taking one's life, feeling sad or hopeless about the future. It is also important to be aware of changes in eating or sleeping habits and even losing the desire to take part in favorite activities. If you do notice these warning signs, be there for the person by helping them to seek help with someone the person trusts.
A way to help stop suicides is to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and depression. The more people are willing to talk about mental health, the more we can help curb this devastating loss of life.
Click on the links below to read more about the research findings. To find out more about where you an go for help, visit our website www.ca-yen.org, or www.mhac.org
Get Involved to be a Part of the Solution!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20620477/
http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/1301905.html
http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/leadcaus10.html
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Correlation Between Parents/Guardians Response to Sexual Orientation and Mental Health Outcomes
In shocking news, researchers at San Francisco State University have found that young gay people whose parents or guardians respond negatively when they revealed their sexual orientation were more likely to attempt suicide, experience severe depression, and use drugs than TAY whose parents accepted the news.
Although the results of the study may seem obvious, the study was the first to establish a scientific link between the mental health problems of gay youth and their home environments. The study, conducted by the San Francisco State Family Acceptance Project, found that teens from families that reacted negatively to their coming-out were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide, nearly six times as vulnerable to severe depression and more than three times at risk of drug abuse than gay teens with more accepting families. More information on the study is available on the Family Acceptance Website.
[http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/]
Marissa Minna Lee
CAYEN Steering Committee
Although the results of the study may seem obvious, the study was the first to establish a scientific link between the mental health problems of gay youth and their home environments. The study, conducted by the San Francisco State Family Acceptance Project, found that teens from families that reacted negatively to their coming-out were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide, nearly six times as vulnerable to severe depression and more than three times at risk of drug abuse than gay teens with more accepting families. More information on the study is available on the Family Acceptance Website.
[http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/]
Marissa Minna Lee
CAYEN Steering Committee
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Mental Health of College Students
The results of the study on "Mental Health of College Students and Their Non College Attending Peers" (http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/65/12/1429), published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, were released earlier this week. The study points out an issue I feel is often overlooked in the TAY population--the prevalence of mental illness among college students. There is a perception that college-attending students need less support and mental health services than non-college attending TAY, and that the academic success of college students is an accurate indicator of robust mental wellness.
Well, as you can see, the findings of the study beg to differ. The study found that, counting substance abuse, "almost half of college-aged individuals had a psychiatric disorder in the past year."
Most significantly, the study also found that "The overall rate of psychiatric disorders was not different between college-attending individuals and their non–college-attending peers."
According to the study, almost 1 in 5 young American adults has a personality disorder that interferes with every day life. This was the second most common problem behind substance abuse.
There were some notable differences between the populations. College students were significantly more likely to have alcohol-use disorders while non-college attending TAY were more likely to have drug use disorders or nicotine dependency. Despite this, college students were less likely to receive rehab treatment for alcohol or drug abuse disorders than non-college attending TAY.
Overall, the study found that fewer than 25% of college students with a mental disorder sought treatment.
I would like to remind everyone, as we consider TAY issues, to not forget the importance of treatment and prevention interventions for TAY who are in college! Many TAY are college students, and for the TAY who are not, attending college is still a hoped-for and likely eventuality. To me, this is undeniable evidence that mental health providers MUST work with higher education institutions to ensure that all TAY have access to appropriate mental health services.
More from the Associated Press (http://www.newsweek.com/id/171615/output/print)
Marissa Lee
CAYEN Steering Committee
Well, as you can see, the findings of the study beg to differ. The study found that, counting substance abuse, "almost half of college-aged individuals had a psychiatric disorder in the past year."
Most significantly, the study also found that "The overall rate of psychiatric disorders was not different between college-attending individuals and their non–college-attending peers."
According to the study, almost 1 in 5 young American adults has a personality disorder that interferes with every day life. This was the second most common problem behind substance abuse.
There were some notable differences between the populations. College students were significantly more likely to have alcohol-use disorders while non-college attending TAY were more likely to have drug use disorders or nicotine dependency. Despite this, college students were less likely to receive rehab treatment for alcohol or drug abuse disorders than non-college attending TAY.
Overall, the study found that fewer than 25% of college students with a mental disorder sought treatment.
I would like to remind everyone, as we consider TAY issues, to not forget the importance of treatment and prevention interventions for TAY who are in college! Many TAY are college students, and for the TAY who are not, attending college is still a hoped-for and likely eventuality. To me, this is undeniable evidence that mental health providers MUST work with higher education institutions to ensure that all TAY have access to appropriate mental health services.
More from the Associated Press (http://www.newsweek.com/id/171615/output/print)
Marissa Lee
CAYEN Steering Committee
Monday, August 11, 2008
Impact of Governor’s Executive Order on Mental Health Services
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued and executive order on July 31 that sought to roll back wages of as many as 200,000 state employees and lay off more than 10,000 of the state's 22,000 temporary, contract and part-time workers. It also resulted in stop work orders to contracted entities of many of the state’s departments; including the Department of Mental Health.
The governor asked department heads to report to him by Friday with lists of employees they believe should be exempt from the executive order for critical health and safety reasons.
The Department of Mental Health initially issued stop work orders to over 90 contractors throughout the state, including NAMI, CNMHC, and UACF. Fortunately they reversed about 30 of them including those contracts with the three organizations above.
The stop work order has however, impacted the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) and some of the work related to the Mental Health Services Act.
We all hope that the budget will be resolved soon so that lives are minimally impacted by this temporary setback.
Get Involved to be a Part of the Solution!
The governor asked department heads to report to him by Friday with lists of employees they believe should be exempt from the executive order for critical health and safety reasons.
The Department of Mental Health initially issued stop work orders to over 90 contractors throughout the state, including NAMI, CNMHC, and UACF. Fortunately they reversed about 30 of them including those contracts with the three organizations above.
The stop work order has however, impacted the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) and some of the work related to the Mental Health Services Act.
We all hope that the budget will be resolved soon so that lives are minimally impacted by this temporary setback.
Get Involved to be a Part of the Solution!
Monday, July 28, 2008
TAY One-Stop Centers- 7/28/08
The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), passed by California voters in 2004 as Proposition 63, has created opportunities for supporters of Transition Age Youth to advocate for policies and programs that will result in positive outcomes for more TAY who suffer from a severe mental illness (including, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic depression, and anxiety disorders).
Over the last year, CAYEN has obtained feedback, suggestions and opinions from TAY throughout the state about a number of issues that affect adolescents and young adults through surveys, focus groups, and numerous informal interviews and meetings. A significant finding suggests that a “one-stop” or “drop-in” center would be more effective in reaching and engaging transition age youth and young adults into mental health services and programs than programs and services delivered in a county mental health building or a mental health/psychiatric clinic.
The “One-Stop TAY Centers” would ideally have:
- TAY involved in all decisions,
- peer to peer supports,
- access to computers for job and education searches,
- a game room with pool tables, a TV, and board games,
- a family/community environment,
- laundry facilities,
- shower facilities,
- benefits assistance,
- housing and transportation assistance,
- probation assistance,
- counseling services/programs available,
- education and job placement assistance.
For more information on TAY centers, please visit our website www.ca-yen.org.
Visit the following links for more information on models of TAY centers currently in operation:
Alameda County- Youth Uprising
http://www.youthuprising.org/index.html
Humboldt County- The RAVEN Project, Youth Services Bureau
http://rcaa.org/ysb/stroutrch.html
San Mateo County- Edgewood Turning Point Drop-In Center
http://www.edgewood.org/whatwedo/community/turning-point.html
San Bernardino County- TAY One-Stop Center
Website is under construction, but this is the link to their development proposal and contact information.
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/dbh/MHSA/CSS/CSS_Work_Plan_TAY1.pdf
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/dbh/childrenservices/childrenservices.asp
CAYEN will continue to promote and advocate for the development of more TAY One-Stop Centers throughout the state. Contact us if you would like to join our efforts to make this happen in your county.
Get Involved to Be Part of the Solution!
Over the last year, CAYEN has obtained feedback, suggestions and opinions from TAY throughout the state about a number of issues that affect adolescents and young adults through surveys, focus groups, and numerous informal interviews and meetings. A significant finding suggests that a “one-stop” or “drop-in” center would be more effective in reaching and engaging transition age youth and young adults into mental health services and programs than programs and services delivered in a county mental health building or a mental health/psychiatric clinic.
The “One-Stop TAY Centers” would ideally have:
- TAY involved in all decisions,
- peer to peer supports,
- access to computers for job and education searches,
- a game room with pool tables, a TV, and board games,
- a family/community environment,
- laundry facilities,
- shower facilities,
- benefits assistance,
- housing and transportation assistance,
- probation assistance,
- counseling services/programs available,
- education and job placement assistance.
For more information on TAY centers, please visit our website www.ca-yen.org.
Visit the following links for more information on models of TAY centers currently in operation:
Alameda County- Youth Uprising
http://www.youthuprising.org/index.html
Humboldt County- The RAVEN Project, Youth Services Bureau
http://rcaa.org/ysb/stroutrch.html
San Mateo County- Edgewood Turning Point Drop-In Center
http://www.edgewood.org/whatwedo/community/turning-point.html
San Bernardino County- TAY One-Stop Center
Website is under construction, but this is the link to their development proposal and contact information.
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/dbh/MHSA/CSS/CSS_Work_Plan_TAY1.pdf
http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/dbh/childrenservices/childrenservices.asp
CAYEN will continue to promote and advocate for the development of more TAY One-Stop Centers throughout the state. Contact us if you would like to join our efforts to make this happen in your county.
Get Involved to Be Part of the Solution!
Monday, July 14, 2008
CAYEN Weekly Blog Entries - 7/14/08
Welcome! The Mental Health Association in California is pleased to announce the start of the California Youth Empowerment Network’s (CAYEN) weekly Blog.
CAYEN was created to empower and inspire youth who are part of the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) (ages 16-25) community to create positive change in the mental health system. Our network is youth driven and run by a steering committee made up entirely of transition age youth. To participate on the steering committee or to become a member of CAYEN, please email us, reachout@ca-yen.org, or fax us a completed membership application, 916-447-2350.
Each week, we will provide you information on issues that are current and relevant to you as an adolescent making the transition into an adult, independent-centered society. We invite you to post or email us your comments and suggestions for future topics and issues you would like to see on this blog. We also invite you to submit your own work on issues relevant to the TAY community to be posted on the blog or to submit your story to be posted on our “Youth Stories” section of the website.
CAYEN will accomplish its mission through policy and legislative mental health advocacy at the state and local county level; development of local CAYEN affiliates throughout the state; a focus on racial/ethnic-specific supports, particularly Latino (41% of California’s 15-24 year olds are Latino1); support and development of TAY Drop-in centers throughout the state; and education for TAY on SSI/SSDI and other benefits and resources available to you.
Get Involved to Be Part of the Solution!
1 State of California, Department of Finance, Population Projections for California and Its Counties 2000-2050, by Age, Gender and Race/Ethnicity, Sacramento, California, July 2007.
CAYEN was created to empower and inspire youth who are part of the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) (ages 16-25) community to create positive change in the mental health system. Our network is youth driven and run by a steering committee made up entirely of transition age youth. To participate on the steering committee or to become a member of CAYEN, please email us, reachout@ca-yen.org, or fax us a completed membership application, 916-447-2350.
Each week, we will provide you information on issues that are current and relevant to you as an adolescent making the transition into an adult, independent-centered society. We invite you to post or email us your comments and suggestions for future topics and issues you would like to see on this blog. We also invite you to submit your own work on issues relevant to the TAY community to be posted on the blog or to submit your story to be posted on our “Youth Stories” section of the website.
CAYEN will accomplish its mission through policy and legislative mental health advocacy at the state and local county level; development of local CAYEN affiliates throughout the state; a focus on racial/ethnic-specific supports, particularly Latino (41% of California’s 15-24 year olds are Latino1); support and development of TAY Drop-in centers throughout the state; and education for TAY on SSI/SSDI and other benefits and resources available to you.
Get Involved to Be Part of the Solution!
1 State of California, Department of Finance, Population Projections for California and Its Counties 2000-2050, by Age, Gender and Race/Ethnicity, Sacramento, California, July 2007.
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