California has released $150 million more in grants to more than 200 organizations to support mental health programs and services for children, the Mental Health Services and Oversight Accountability Commission announced.
The grants are part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health, which goes toward trauma-informed practices and programs for kids. The money was distributed among 262 organizations.
“These investments are becoming reality through a diverse workforce that is reaching every community,” Newsom said in a statement. “That’s why we are launching a new program to hire coaches in this space and support wellness for all children and young adults.”
Funding for mental health in California public schools typically has come from general education budgets, a reason funds have never been stable. The governor’s master plan is a response to the growing need for services and more funding. Hundreds of millions have already been distributed to organizations throughout the state.
The state and local governments have started to turn the health care system to create a systematic and more stable way of funding mental health in schools.
Part of the funding is going toward the new Certified Wellness Coaches program, which supports existing clinical staff and care teams, to provide wellness promotion, education, support and referral services in schools. The Department of Health Care Access and Information is also working with state universities and community colleges to develop a curriculum that will be available in fall 2024.
The wellness coach certificate will be free after it is launched. Annual scholarships will be available to help with educational expenses and grants to assist organizations with hiring new coaches.
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