State Budget

The state budget is nearly 4 weeks late and negotiations appear to be at an impasse. The Democrats have proposed a $103 billion budget which Republicans feel can only exacerbate the ongoing structural budget deficit of at least $700 million. In response, Republicans presented Democrats with additional spending cuts they argue are necessary to better balance the budget. The $842 million in cuts proposed include $300 million savings by imposing full-family sanctions on CalWORKs recipients, expansion of CalWORKs fraud investigations through home searches for an estimated $35 million savings, a $120 million reduction in drug rehabilitation programs, and an additional $100 million cut in public transit. Many of these cuts are above and beyond cuts already passed by the Assembly last week such as the elimination of the CalWorks, and postponement of SSI/SSP, cost of living adjustments. We continue to monitor the situation and express CFRA's opposition to cutting programs critical to ensuring strong families.

The California Budget Project

The California Budget Project has released two Budget Briefs that have implications for the CFRA members and the families and children they serve. Food security is a high priority for California's most vulnerable communities. "Congress Can Strengthen the Food Stamp Program" is a call to action for our congressional representatives to increase the level of food stamp benefits. For example, food stamps provide just $1.09 per person per meal in California and, even more importantly, approximately 2 million Californians who are eligible do not receive food stamps. A second brief, entitled, "How Much is Too Much?: A Framework for Evaluating Health Care Affordability" addresses the current movement to substantially expand health care coverage to uninsured Californians. To view both briefs...

The Capitol Report - July 2007

This monthly report keeps you informed about what is happening in the State Capitol and how CFRA is working to make families a legislative priority. The report features legislative updates, committee hearings, legislator profiles and legislative information. To read the full report

School Readiness
First 5 Strategic Plan

First 5 Strategic Plan - Attached is a presentation by Kris Perry, Executive Director of First 5 California (the State Commission). Ms. Perry outlines the strategic plan, which includes several elements that are a priority to CFRA members. CFRA is pleased with the following items in particular: The Guiding Principles include "Family Focus: Support families as children's primary caregivers and first teachers" (slide 8). Under Strategic Goals and Strategies, it integrates one of CFRA's priorities related to family economic success: "Strategy 1.5 Economic Development - Identify the most pressing economic needs of children and create a systematic approach to decreasing disparities (slide 14). Strategy 2.2 - Seed Innovative Pilot Programs - Invest in demonstration projects promoting systemic change (slide 15). CFRA sees this as an opportunity related to Child Welfare Services/Differential Response given the myriad of programs implemented by CFRA members. Strategy 3.3 Learning Communities - Create learning communities through partnerships with others (slide 18). This is an ideal link for family strengthening organizations in partnerships with allies. Strategy 4.2 Special Studies - Conduct special studies to identify best practices and assess the value of programs for children 0-5 (slide 20). This should clearly include approaches that strengthen families. Strategy 4.3 Center for Results - Establish a system for prioritizing and managing research and evaluation projects, and communicating results (slide 20). This is an opportunity to ensure that the results and indicators that strengthen families are included which demonstrate the value of FSOs. CFRA will continue to advocate for the inclusion of approaches that strengthen families. CFRA will be preparing a formal analysis and submit a formal response to the First 5 California - State Commission. We invite your feedback to further strengthen our advocacy efforts on your behalf. Please send your comments to CFRA by August 15. To view full presentation...

Everything you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask!) about "Audit Committees"

Non-profits didn't realize that the Enron scandal would eventually affect their reporting standards. In California, if your non-profit organization has more than two million dollars in revenue you are required to have an audit committee. Even if it is not currently mandatory for your organization it may be a good idea to have an audit committee as a part of your annual audit process. An audit committee indicates a higher standard of board governance, increasing both public confidence and donor assurances.

So what is an audit committee and what is its role in the organization?

An audit committee provides due diligence to ensure proper accounting rules and procedures are followed in the preparation of the annual financial statements. This independent group, which includes the CFO, external/internal auditors, board of directors and regulators, can feel comfortable discussing specific issues such as financial statements, internal controls and disclosures, and allows the committee to accept the results of the audit.

The duties of the audit committee include the following four areas:

1. Understanding the organizations operations and programs
2. Selecting an independent audit firm
3. Knowledge of/and overseeing the audit process
4. Internal controls and risk management

1. Understanding the organizations operations and programs

It is important for the audit committee to understand the organization's goals, operations and programs. With a strong understanding of the organization the audit committee can more easily determine which auditing standards/disclosures apply

2. Selecting an independent audit firm

The audit committee is directly responsible for hiring an independent auditor and holds the authority to evaluate and dismiss the independent auditor if and when appropriate. An objective evaluation process should be used to effectively evaluate potential audit firms for the audit engagement. It is highly desirable to seek new audit bids at least every two years.

3. Knowledge of/and overseeing the audit process

During the organization's audit, the audit committee communicates with the auditors to determine which new accounting issues are relevant to their organization. It is important to have open lines of communication between the auditors and the committee members during the audit. Planning meetings without management may also give comfort to the auditors and allow them to speak more freely regarding issues that have come up in the audit.

4. Internal controls and risk management

It is important to have a clear understanding of the organizational environment, integrity and culture. The committee begins by reviewing personnel, operations handbooks and policies. To assess risk the audit committee should review things such as turnover, rapid growth, accounting software or accounting changes and develop a clear understanding of changes in the organization during the prior accounting period. Internal control standards should be up-to-date and reviewing annually.

Adding an Audit Committee to your board provides an excellent opportunity to develop the integrity of your financial systems. For further information and tools for managing audit committee you can purchase the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Audit Committee Toolkit for $25 at:

If you have any ideas for future articles regarding accounting or finance please write me at: www.maustin@californiafamilyresource.org

CFRA needs your feedback on the future of mental health:

Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)
With the passage of Proposition 63 in 2004, the Mental Health Services Act, persons experiencing mental illness and the organizations and communities that serve them have an unprecentented opportunity to both contribute to a positive change to the mental health system of care and to access new resources to sustain the new system. Two important documents have been released to inform this process.

First, the Prevention and Early Intervention Program and Expenditure Plan, Draft Proposed Guidelines (FY 2007-08 & 2008-09). These guidelines will become the state regulations and released by the California Department of Mental Health (DMH). It is critical for CFRA members who currently provide mental health services, or have plans to do so in the future, to review this document and if possible, comment on its applicability to the populations you serve. View document....

Secondly, CFRA members know first hand that mental health and substance abuse often go hand-in- hand. Gary Jaeger, a former commissioner of the MHSOAC, has authored a paper urging the "recognition and management of co-occurring disorders" as critical to the successful transformation of the mental health care system of California. You may find useful statistics that can be used in grant proposals to fund your programs in this informative document ... You may also subscribe to the MHSOAC directly to receive all updates to this important effort by clicking here...

Save the date...

August 7, Humbolt
September 19, Oakland
September 25, Palm Desert
Nonprofit Accounting Boot Camp Presented by California Association of Nonprofits (CAN) - will cover the essentials of accounting in a nonprofit enviroment. For information...

August 17
Child & Family Services Review California Statewide Assessment of Child Welfare Services
California Department of Social Services is preparing for the Child and Family Services Review as required by federal law. As part of this process a convening has been scheduled of stakeholders to allow for input into the statewide assessment. This is an opportunity to provide your perspective on how California's Child Welfare Services system is doing in addressing the safety, permanency, and well-being of our children.

The California Department of Social Services is partnering with the Child and Family Policy Institute of California to host this convening.

Space is limited, sign up early to register...

September 6, Sacramento
Re-igniting the Passion for Your Mission
Passion for the work of your organization is at the heart of all of your individual fundraising activities. Fast-moving, experiential, hands-on sessions introduce board members, volunteers, and staff to the Benevon Model for individual fundraising designed to reconnect you with your initial passion and train you to use that passion to speak powerfully about the work of your organization. Co-sponsored by Benevon. For more information or to register go to...

October 2-3, 2007
Double Tree Hotel Sacramento
California Instuitute for Mental Health Conferences (CIMH) - Rose Jenkins Conference - Brighter Futures:
Prevention and Early Intervention Evidence-based and promising practices that support and promote the resilience of children and their families. Services designed to work early and strategies to reduce stigma and discrimination. Strategies to prevent suicide. For more information call 916-922-0856 or email us at www.conferences@cimh.org

September 24 - 25, 2007
Philadelphia, PA
Hosted event by The Arizona Fathers & Families Coalition, Inc.
A special fatherhood & families conference for provider, organizations and parents nationally. Click her to download a copy of the conference brochure:

March 4-7, 2008
Phoenix, AZ
National Fatherhood Conference 2008 "...Dads Do Make A Difference
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2007. Call us at 602.495.8845 or email us at: http://www.info@azffc.org

October 18-20, 2007
-Stronger Together
Nationally field tested family support curriculum, applied in early childhood and school settings across the country to effectively engage families. Stronger Together has been utilized to train staff in major regional and statewide initiatives, and is also used to teach early childhood courses at two and four year colleges. Questions or comments: Call 415.454.1870 or email at: family@parentservices.org

Nov. 29, - Dec. 1, 2007
Making Room in the Circle
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) - Families in Early Childhood Settings is a groundbreaking curriculum that has been developed to assist early childhood providers to create inclusive, high-quality environments that actively engage LGBT families, thus building a culture where all feel they belong. The curriculum is also used to teach early childhood courses at two and four year colleges. For more information , questions or comments: Call 415.454.1870 or email at: family@parentservices.org

Child Development Retention and Training Program (One-time only funding, AB 212) Grant funding opportunity for local educational agencies, non profit organizations, other organizations or agencies. Criteria: Local Child Care and Development Planning Councils (LPC) in 35 counties excluding Alpine, Mariposa and Sierra. A total of $15 million to train and retrain child development staff that work with children in State-subsidized, Title 5 Programs. View at:

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Community Partners Program is offering grants to improve the quality of life in the 26 communities nationwide where the founders owned newspapers. The primary focus is on issues relating to children and families, civic participation, cultural life, educational and economic opportunities for all residents, and housing and community development. Non-Profit organizations may apply. For additional information contact the Knight Foundation Wachovia Financial Center at (305) 908-2600 or at knightfdn.org.

CIGNA Foundation Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, tax except under Section 501(c)(3) with a focus on community and civic affairs, culture and the arts, education, and health and human services. Priority given to projects that focus on Women's health and domestic violence. Contact: CIGNA Corporation at 1601 Chestnut Street, TL06B, Philadelphia, PA 19192

Executive Director - Parent Services Project, San Rafael, California - Founded in 1980 Parent Services Project (PSP) is a nationally recognized organization committed to integrating family support and family leadership into early childhood programs, schools, and community settings. PSP's mission is to strengthen families to provide for and take leadership in assuring the well-being of children, families, and communities. Tailoring its services to the diverse needs and cultures in which it works, PSP connects with the passions of families, helping them discover their potential and emboldening them to advocate for themselves. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position to PSP.EDserarch@compasspoint.org (reference PSP ED search in subject line) by August 31,2007. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered..

Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission

Executive Director Job Announcement
July 26, 2007

The Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) is a 16-member statewide Commission charged with overseeing the implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The MHSOAC is currently seeking an Executive Director. Under the direction of the Commission, the Executive Director provides staff leadership for all daily functions of the MHSOAC and assists the Commission in implementing its strategic plan.

In particular, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the following for core responsibilities of the MHSOAC:

• Outreach, communication, and advocacy for a changed public attitude about mental health and a transformed mental health system;
• Policy development and expenditure approval in two core programs of the MHSA, prevention & early intervention, and innovative programs;
• Fiscal accountability for the use of MHSA fund; and,
• Accountability to ensure that MHSA implementation achieves intended outcomes and demonstrates core principles of the legislation, including empowerment of mental health clients and their families, cultural and linguistic competence, and reduction of disparities.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage Commission budget, personnel, and contracts
• Hire, train, and mentor Commission staff
• Act as public spokesperson for the MHSOAC
• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and recommendations to the MHSOAC members in all areas of policy development
• Serve as a liaison between the MHSOAC, government oversight bodies identified in the MHSA, and with other stakeholder groups
• Establish technical advisory committees
• Facilitate a broad range of public stakeholder committees that address politically sensitive issues
• Supervise and direct research on mental health issues and provide the results to the Commission
• Organize full Commission meetings, including identification of key policy issues, development of agenda items based on these policy issues, recruitment of key speakers, engagement of the community, and meeting action items

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in personnel, budgets and policy processes within a governmental or political setting
• Demonstrated ability to work with various government agencies and stakeholder groups
• Ability to facilitate and lead discussions among diverse stakeholder groups
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Demonstrated experience as a team builder

Salary: $8496 - 9190 per month

For more information, contact Elaine Bush at (916) 654-2309 or e-mail her at: elaine.bush@dmh.ca.gov Applicants must submit an electronic application through the Governor's website at: and must send a hard copy of the application and resume to:
California Department of Mental Health
1600 9th Street , Rm.151
Sacramento , CA 95814
Attention: Elaine Bush