SUPPORTING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH

Why This Issue Matters

Research has clearly demonstrated a link between healthy emotional development and lifelong cognitive and social functioning. Strengthening the development and well-being of youth requires accessible, high-quality programming that empowers them to thrive. By prioritizing physical health while fostering social-emotional and mental well-being, we lay the foundation for a healthy and productive future, empowering young people to effectively navigate life’s challenges.  

WCA's Current Efforts

  1. Campaign for Kids Coalition: Campaign for Kids (CFK) is a coalition of over 50 county wide organizations. Through CFK, community-based organizations serving youth can exchange ideas and harness their collective power to promote positive youth development in Westchester County.  
  1. Project Engage: Project Engage is designed to empower Westchester’s youth to be informed and actively participate in their communities, particularly during election seasons. By providing resources and opportunities for civic engagement, we encourage young people to voice their opinions, advocate for change, and take an active role in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. Fostering a generation of informed citizens who are ready to make a difference and drive positive change in their communities.  
  1. Annual Mental Health Roundtable: Brings together key stakeholders to address youth mental health through open dialogue, promoting mental well – being, reducing stigma, and advocating for improved mental health services in communities throughout Westchester County.   
  1. Coalitions: 
  • Safe Landing Coalition: Advocates for the Safe Landing Act to ensure a smoother transition to adulthood for young people aging out of the foster care system. This bill allows young adults to enforce unmet court orders that require agencies to support their basic needs, helping them to avoid homelessness and build secure, productive lives.  
  • Healthy Minds, Health Kids: A coalition of behavioral health providers, advocates, and families dedicated to building public and political support to ensure all New York children and adolescents receive high-quality behavioral health services, including those mandated by state and federal laws. https://healthymindshealthykids.org/  
  • Children & Family Well-Being Action Network: A network of advocates, providers, and individuals affected by New York’s child welfare system. Striving for a vision where the state prioritizes investments in policies that strengthen and support children, youth, and families.  
to advocate for youth resources.

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  • Child & Youth Homelessness
  • Home Visiting / Early Childhood Development
  • Youth Justice / Raise the Age
  • Youth Development