March 24th, 2025
The Honorable Sharon Quirk-Silva
California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room #4210
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for ACR 23 (Quirk-SIlva)
Dear Assemblymember Quirk-Silva,
The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is proud to support Assembly Concurrent Resolution 23, a resolution that would recognize the third week of May 2025 (Mental Health Awareness Month) as Mental Health Peer Appreciation Week.
CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members which engages, empowers and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. Since CAYEN’s inception in 2006, CAYEN has taken many forms of action to empower TAY in their personal lives and spark progressive change in public policy.
As California faces a growing demand for children and youth mental health services, CAYEN recognizes the critical role of young Peers, youth with lived experience navigating California’s behavioral healthcare system. Their firsthand knowledge is invaluable in shaping policies and ensuring services truly meet the needs of youth. As local and statewide leaders make decisions about mental health services for children and youth, it is essential that youth Peer voices are included. Their perspectives ensure that policies reflect the realities of those most impacted, ultimately strengthening the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health programs across the state.
Furthermore, youth Peers can leverage their lived experience to enter the behavioral health workforce as Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialists. To become certified, they must be at least 18 years old, obtain a high school diploma or GED, complete the required training, and pass the Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam. As certified Peers, they can work within their local communities and schools to support others facing mental health, addiction, or trauma challenges. By sharing their lived experience, they offer hope, encouragement, and guidance, serving as role models for other youth in recovery.
As California continues to address youth mental health needs, investing in and prioritizing youth Peers must remain central to the conversation. For these reasons, we proudly support ACR 23. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this resolution or any behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org
Sincerely,
Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator