Children-and-youth

From Wendy Fry of CalMatters’ California Divide team and CalMatters politics intern Rya Jetha: Next Thursday, California’s first-in-the-nation task force on reparations plans to hand over to the state Legislature its extensive report and recommendations for how to compensate eligible Black Californians for the enduring harms of slavery.  As historic a moment it may be, […]

The spending change would prioritize housing for homeless people, which children's mental health advocates fear will cut their funding.

Is the tide turning in favor of California’s renters? Some signs say yes. On Wednesday, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that a San Jose-based developer and property manager must refund more than $331,000 to 20 tenants in overpaid rent. It’s the first use of a 2019 law, explains CalMatters’ housing reporter Ben Christopher, but “it […]

CalMatters launched the Youth Journalism Initiative in 2022 to help programs bring more high school students into journalism.

In March, the San Mateo County School Board became the first California school district to sue social media companies for their role in the youth mental health crisis. As state lawmakers struggle to overcome the power and influence of tech giants, local schools are now looking to the courts for help.

Last year, California lawmakers set aside $60 million in the state budget to support Court Appointed Special Advocates, which help thousands of foster care children statewide. But with the state facing a growing deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed to claw back two-thirds of the money.

A 2022 study revealed that child care workers in California are paid just 25-30% of the cost of providing care. The inadequate pay has racist roots, and workers in this crucial industry are demanding action from state leaders.

Despite recent policy changes, many California families seeking behavioral health treatment through Medi-Cal struggle to get the services they need in a timely manner. Given the scale of the emergency, state leaders must ensure these systems are sustainably resourced.

Roughly 60,000 children are in California's foster care system. For years, state leaders have failed to make progress or increase support for them. In 2023, it must be a priority.

Some child advocates worry that California's tool to screen kids for adverse childhood experiences has pitfalls that could cause even greater harm. Doctors argue that the innovative program is effective and beneficial, and creating systemic change in health care.