The 2013 CMHACY Conference was a tremendous success with a wide variety of presentations of consistently high quality (excellent evaluations from participants), the largest number of attendees in many years and the broadest participation ever from education and social services. Many people serve our children and youth, and to have expertise, ideas, and experience from across the spectrum made this an exceptional experience.
We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, May 7 through May 9, with the Pre-Conferences on Tuesday May 6.
About CMHACY
CMHACY is a diverse association of citizens dedicated to advancing children's mental health services in California. Formed in 1980 by people who saw the need to focus attention on children's issues, CMHACY has grown into a large and broad-based coalition of persons deeply concerned with the mental health needs of California's vulnerable children and youth.
CMHACY is the only statewide voice for children's mental health in California.
CMHACY is a strong champion for children in the legislative and public policy arenas. We are frequently identified in legislation as an organization with whom policy makers should consult, and are increasingly included on task forces and work groups. Through public testimony, newsletters, position papers and an annual statewide conference, we strive to educate and influence decision makers affecting vulnerable children.
CMHACY is a tax exempt, non-profit, educational organization.
CMHACY is committed to...
a comprehensive mental health system that:
- promotes prevention an early intervention
- provides child-centered, family-focused services within a culturally relevant context
- emphasizes community-based co-location of services with other agencies (e.g. schools)
- serves children in the environment least restrictive to the child's needs
- includes a full continuum of care, with residential services within family proximity
- requires interagency collaboration and cooperation
- advocates for state-wide policy and standards for services (allowing for local flexibility and accountability)
- assures a public / private partnership at all levels
- is cost effective, fully funded, and accountable
- and assures entitlement of service to seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth.
The CMHACY network
CMHACY's diverse membership networks with key decision makers in legislative, administrative and judicial branches of government. We connect parent groups with state and nation advocates, mental health administrators with public policy makers, and service providers with exemplary program innovators. This allows CMHACY members access to crucial information about changes in the existing system, as well as significant trends for the future.
Membership in CMHACY
CMHACY's strength is the increasingly broad representation of its membership including parents, state and county mental health program staff, private service providers, mental health advisory board members, and representatives from the legislature, education, social services, juvenile justice, and other children's advocacy groups. In fact, all persons interested in mental health services for children and youth in California are invited to join.
The CMHACY board meets throughout the year to develop policy positions and assure CMHACY representation at legislative and administrative hearings as well as on carious task forces. It consists of nine members elected at the annual conference to three-year terms. A nominating committee strives to achieve a consistent mixture of new and old representation and recommends candidates for election to the board that reflect various CMHACY constituencies.
Membership in CMHACY for one year is included in the annual conference registration. If unable to make this years conference, you can join or pay your yearly membership dues for just $25.
