CMHACY 2010 Conference Overview

The 2010 Conference was a tremendous success. Attendance was as high as it was in 2009, even in the face of the obvious budget difficulties, indicating once again that there is no shortage of people who care about the ongoing evolution of services for these youth and families. The Youth Leadership Academy, presented by Youth In Mind, was particularly strong, having to turn people away in the final week before the conference as they were filled to capacity. Both Pre-Conference Institutes, one for families and one for Children's Chiefs and Service Providers, were well attended and well received. Speakers were brought in from out of state - Jeff Sprague from the University of Oregon and Peter Pecora from the University of Washington and Casey Family Programs, and from California - Jim Mayer of California Forward, Senator and Assemblyperson Sheila Kuehl, DMH Director Steve Mayberg, keynoter Jaiya John, and a host of workshop presenters from around the state who shared exemplary and innovative strategies and programs. The Keynote address by Jaiya John was a knockout, greeted by an instantaneous standing ovation and a book-signing line that continued for over an hour.

CMHACY was, once again, a conference that people looked forward to, and one that they departed from with new information, a shot in the arm, and a new links with other California advocates. For thirty years CMHACY has gathered and supported people who have shaped the service delivery world, and this year's focus, "Shaping Our Future", raised the direction of our focus up from the constant drumbeat of sobering budgetary news to the future, and to our responsiblity as advocates to shape that future.

To those who came - thank you, and our appreciation and respect. To those who could not make it, we hope that you will be able to join us next year, Wed, May 11 through Fri, May 13, 2011, with Pre-Conference Institutes starting on Tuesday, May 10.