Position Category: CAYEN

June 27^th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for AB 1230 (Bonta)

Dear Chair Pérez,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 1230 (Bonta), legislation that would strengthen the statutes governing rehabilitation plans for expelled students, help facilitate these students successful return to school, and support school district planning regarding expulsion programs. 

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 and substance use 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. Harm reduction policies have shown to support youth significantly in addressing their behavioral health challenges and reducing criminalization.

In the 2023-24 school year, more than 4,000 California students were expelled from school, many of them among our most vulnerable student populations, with significant over-representations of Black and Latinx students. Substance abuse is known to be a significant contributor to disciplinary action and expulsion.

Current law offers only limited guidance to school districts regarding the development of rehabilitation plans to support the successful return of expelled students to their home district school or appropriate alternative. At present, plans may fail to address specific behaviors that led to expulsion or may not be tailored to the specific needs of the expelled students. Currently, plans may require services the student must complete at the expense of the family or include community service requirements without access to transportation.

To hold students accountable for expulsion-related behavior, while also strengthening pathways for their return to their home district school or appropriate alternative, it is crucial to develop meaningful expulsion rehabilitation plans.  AB 1230 will support improved outcomes for expelled students by requiring that rehabilitation plans address the behavior leading to the expulsion, include services responsive to the student’s needs, and provide information regarding program enrollment and readmission.

For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 1230 (Bonta) and asks 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

June 16, 2025

The Honorable Angelique Ashby
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee
1021 O Street, Room 3320
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 489 (Bonta)

Dear Chair Ashby,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support Assembly Bill 489 (Bonta), which would prohibit entities from using artificial intelligence (AI) or generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) that falsely claim or suggest it is a licensed doctor or healthcare provider to provide advice, care, reports, or assessments. The bill makes it illegal for AI or GenAI to use certain words, letters, or phrases that imply it is being operated by someone with a valid healthcare license or certificate when it is not.

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. With virtual mental health services expanding in California and increasing access to youth who are more technologically capable, it is important to ensure that safeguards are in place to ensure accurate information is being shared with youth.

In the early days of social media, youth were warned about the risks of online communication, especially the fear that the person on the other end might not be who they claim to be. Since then, technology has evolved with AI capabilities to ask questions, assign tasks, and generate automated responses, sometimes inaccurate and harmful, based on various algorithms. This danger of not knowing who you are communicating with on the internet still exists. Youth can now use AI to ask questions and seek advice regarding their own mental health challenges; however, many AI responses are not regulated or controlled by a practicing, licensed, and certified healthcare provider.

This bill incorporates safeguards to ensure youth are not receiving false and potentially harmful information related to their mental health or substance use challenges. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 489 (Bonta) and asks 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhac.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

June 4^th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 322 (Ward)

Dear Chair,

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 322 (Ward), legislation that would provide guidance to county offices of education and charter schools to establish “Health Days” to provide screenings for common health problems among pupils. This bill would also encourage all schools to participate in programs that offer reimbursement for school-based health services and school-based mental health services.

CAYEN is a youth-led statewide network comprised of TAY Action Teams and CAYEN Board members that engages, empowers, and represents Transitional Age Youth (TAY), ages 15-26, in mental health advocacy on issues that directly affect TAY. One of CAYEN’s top priorities is expanding access to inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-based mental health and substance use services.

Youth throughout California, especially in rural communities, face significant barriers to accessing services. Not all schools have a school-based health center or are located close enough to providers. While school districts already receive information on establishing “Health Days”, AB 322 would help close gaps in care by providing guidance to county offices of education and charter schools. These days provide education to youth about various health problems and allow for proper screenings of common health problems among youth, including mental health. Early identification and intervention can ensure proper services and support are provided, which would result in long-term positive health outcomes.

In addition to designating a specific day for health education and screening, this bill would encourage schools to participate in programs that offer reimbursement for school-based health and mental health services. The California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) is a five-year initiative that is changing the way California supports children, youth, and families. Through its statewide multi-payer fee schedule for school-linked behavioral health services, Medi-Cal and commercial plans must adhere to set rates for local education agencies and school-affiliated providers. Schools now have the fiscal capabilities to invest and provide services to their youth.

For these reasons, we support AB 322 (Ward) 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhac.org.

Sincerely,

Danny Thirakul
California Youth Empowerment Network
Public Policy Coordinator

June 6^th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for AB 1034 (Ávila Farías)

Dear Chair Pérez,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 1034 (Ávila Farías), legislation that would include a basic understanding of youth mental health in a professional preparation program required for teacher credentialing.

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. Creating spaces that nurture and support youth so they can access critical mental health and substance use services is vital to the destigmatization revolving around mental health.

The Center for Disease Control released their Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 and found that there was an increase in youth experiencing violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.[1] Since TAY spend a significant portion of their lives at school, a teacher is often the first-person youth seek support from if experiencing mental health challenges. Teachers are also most likely to identify potential challenges youth are experiencing given their daily interactions with them.

The ability to identify youth at risk and link them to support before their mental health or substance use challenge exacerbates will help bridge gaps in access and reduce mental health disparities. This bill ensures teachers will have basic knowledge of youth mental health and will better prepare them to support youth health and wellness.

It is for these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 1034 (Avila Farías) and asks 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.

June 16^th, 2025 

The Honorable Jesse Arreguín
Senate Public Safety Committee
1020 N Street, Room 545
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Support for Assembly Bill 785 (Sharp-Collins)

Dear Chair Arreguín,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 785 (Sharp-Collins), legislation that would create the Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program, aimed at providing funding for community-driven solutions to decrease violence in neighborhoods and schools. A key component of this grant program is its flexibility to fund enhanced recreation and health-based activities, trauma-informed interventions for youth, and the creation of school-based health centers.

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. 

Youth across California are experiencing heightened mental health and substance use challenges due to a variety of external factors related to family, school, and community environment. This bill presents an opportunity to invest in community-based supports and services for youth most impacted by violence, gang involvement, trauma, homelessness, poverty, and justice system involvement. This grant’s focus on community-based services ensures that institutions are well resourced and prepared to meet youth where they are and enrich youth lives towards better health outcomes.

For these reasons, CAYEN strongly supports AB 785 (Sharp-Collins) and urges 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhac.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

June 27^th, 2025

The Honorable Sasha Renée Pérez
Senate Education Committee
1021 O Street, Room 6740
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for Assembly Bill 602 (Haney)

Dear Chair Pérez,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 602 (Haney), legislation that would establish a harm reduction approach to supporting students in post-secondary education institutions who use substances.

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.   

Disciplinary procedures disproportionately impact students of color when substance use among White students are just as high if not higher than their African American and Hispanic counterparts.[1] This unjust application can be remedied by focusing on how to support every student instead of how to punish them. This bill ensures that students won’t be disciplined for seeking medical attention if they are experiencing a drug overdose or seeking medical assistance for someone else experiencing a drug-related overdose. In addition, this bill would require schools to assign an activity to the student, such as participating in meetings with a school counselor or attending a drug education group to ensure proper support for the student without additional sanctions.  

This bill empowers students to freely seek help during a substance use emergency without fear of punishment, while ensuring school can connect them to supportive services. For these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 602 (Haney) and asks 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

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[1] McCabe, S. E., Morales, M., Cranford, J. A., Delva, J., McPherson, M. D., & Boyd, C. J. (2007). Race/ethnicity and gender differences in drug use and abuse among college students. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse, 6(2), 75–95.

April 23^rd, 2025

The Honorable Al Muratsuchi
Assembly Education Committee
1020 N Street, Room 159
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: CAYEN Support for AB 1034 (Ávila Farías)

Dear Chair Muratsuchi,   

The California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN) is pleased to support AB 1034 (Ávila Farías), legislation that would include a basic understanding of youth mental health in a professional preparation program required for teacher credentialing.

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. Creating spaces that nurture and support youth so they can access critical mental health and substance use services is vital to the destigmatization revolving around mental health.

The Center for Disease Control released their Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023 and found that there was an increase in youth experiencing violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.[1] Since TAY spend a significant portion of their lives at school, a teacher is often the first-person youth seek support from if experiencing mental health challenges. Teachers are also most likely to identify potential challenges youth are experiencing given their daily interactions with them.

The ability to identify youth at risk and provide support before their mental health or substance use challenges exacerbates will help bridge gaps in access and reduce mental health disparities. This bill ensures teachers will have basic knowledge of youth mental health and will better prepare them to support youth health and wellness. It is for these reasons, CAYEN supports AB 1034 (Avila Farías) and asks 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 or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.  

Sincerely,  

Danny Thirakul 
California Youth Empowerment Network 
Public Policy Coordinator 

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[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2024.