The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a five-year, $4 billion initiative transforming how California supports  children, youth, and families. Since its inception, CYBHI has prioritized the experiences and insights of children, youth, and families in its efforts to reimagine the behavioral health ecosystem for Californians ages 0-25. To further their commitment to a more coordinated, youth-centered, equitable, and prevention-oriented behavioral health ecosystem, CYBHI partnered with The Social Changery to create the Children Youth and Family Network (CYFN) in Spring 2023. CYFN is a statewide network of youth and family-serving community organizations that consult with and advise CYBHI to deepen meaningful, authentic youth and family engagement.

 

The Social Changery oversees the CYFN and acts as a liaison between community-based organizations (CBOs) and CYBHI. This ensures that crucial community perspectives and expertise are integrated into the Initiative. Additionally, it provides opportunities for collaboration and learning with other organizations and entities statewide, such as quarterly learning webinars  in which CBOs and CYBHI workstreams engage in discussions about CYBHI initiatives and projects, identify emerging needs, and share learnings and feedback from the communities they represent. Additionally, The Social Changery hosts regional in-person events to strengthen CYBHI’s connection to communities and increase community awareness of, and participation in, CYBHI workstream activities. By actively engaging with the community, CYBHI is better able to prioritize and center the voices and needs of young people and families.