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A voice for organizations and individuals that serve California's Childern, families and communities

CFRA is a statewide membership association of organizations and individuals working to build vibrant communities that put children and families first. Founded in 2005, CFRA advocates for policies, programs and resources that help families and communities thrive and succeed. CFRA also works to build the capacity of its member organizations and creates networks that link people and resources. CFRA’s policy focus is in the areas of child welfare, mental health, economic success and school readiness.

What's New

What's New
First 5 Funds Threatened:
Republicans are increasingly eyeing approximately $2 billion in First 5 funds as a partial solution to the state's budget crisis. Join CFRA in taking action, and ensure that First 5 funding to state and local commissions stays intact. Attached are sample letters you can send to legislators and the governor. Read First 5 Commissions: Q&A regarding funding and dispelling myths. In addition, attached are Talking Points and Senators Cox's - SBX 3 16. This bill would introduce a ballot initiative that would abolish First 5 commission and funding that is essential to million of children. Write your letters today and protect First 5 funding that supports the children in you community! To find your legislative representative visit: http://www.assembly.ca.gov

Learn What's Happening in Your County re MHSA (Prop 63)
Review the status of the first generation of new programs counties are implementing through MHSQA Community Services and Supports (CSS) in a publication issued by the California Mental Health Directors Association (CMHDA). It provides a county-by-county profile that includes demographics, current mental heath system structures, the initial CSS 3-year programs being implemented for children and other populations, etc. These plans provide a blueprint of the first phase of California's public mental health system. Access this publication at the CMHDA website under “CMHDA Resources” at: www.cmhda.org/mhsa/mhsa.html

Join CFRA! >>
Help create vibrant communities that put children and families first by joining CFRA! With others, you can help provide a unifying and powerful voice for California's families and communities. Together we can be heard!

Children NOW - California Report Card 2006-07 The State of the State's Children
This report lists indicators and recommendations for policy change in the areas of health, education and family well-being, as well as provides a grading for the state's current performance in these areas. The report card outlines areas where the field of family support can rally to gain support for improvement in policies and programs that benefit the children and families of California.

New Policy Brief on Family Strengthening and Economic Success >>
CFRA has released its second policy brief, “What Works: Family Strengthening and Economic Success”. The brief is a rich publication that provides information, tools, guidance and inspiration so that family strengthening organizations can more effectively move their families to work. >>

Policy Brief on Mental Health >>
CFRA has released its inaugural Policy Brief on the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) “Integrating Mental Health Services Into California?s Diverse Neighborhoods.” The Policy Brief features an overview of the Act, keys to partnering at the local level, four mental health models in a community-based family strengthening setting, examples of effective prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery activities appropriate for family-strengthening organizations, and a call to action ? what you can do at the state and local level. >>

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