April 30, 2024
The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Chair, Assembly Education Committee
California State Assembly
1020 N Street, Room 159|
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for SB 1063 (Grove)
Dear Chair Muratsuchi,
The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Senate Bill 1063 (Grove), legislation which would require schools to add a link or QR code to local mental health services on a student’s identification card.
CAYEN is led by Transition Aged Youth (TAY), ages 15 to 26, comprising of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members throughout California which engages, empowers TAY to advocate for mental health policy that directly affects them. Since our establishment in 2006, our youth have persistently campaigned for enhanced accessibility to mental health services and support for all TAY, as well as the promotion of civil rights, restorative justice, and harm reduction practices to mitigate substance misuse among youth. Additionally, we strive to enhance and amplify the representation of TAY voices in the decision-making processes.
This bill aims to enhance access to mental health services for Transition Aged Youth (TAY), which are crucial for youth development, especially given that 75% of mental health disorders manifest by age 24.[1] By providing youth with the tools and resources necessary to manage their mental health challenges, this bill seeks to support their overall well-being and resilience.
For these reasons, we support SB 1063 (Grove) and ask for your “Aye” vote. If you have any questions, or if CAYEN can provide assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me at dthirakul@mhac.org.
In Community,
Danny Thirakul
Public Policy Coordinator
California Youth Empowerment Network
[1] California, S. of. (2024, March 21). Early psychosis intervention plus. MHSOAC. https://mhsoac.ca.gov/initiatives/early-psychosis-intervention-plus/