State-Level Advocacy

See how CAYEN is empowering TAY to transform California’s behavioral health systems.

Statewide Conferences

Youth leaders across California come together to connect, share stories, and influence statewide change at our annual TAY Days at the Capital. These conferences amplify lived experience into powerful advocacy to drive behavioral health systems change.

Implementation Support

CAYEN doesn’t stop at ideas. We help bring them to life.
From local pilot programs to statewide rollouts, our TAY staff and adult allies at Mental Health America of CA ensure that projects are implemented with integrity and measurable impact.

Legislative Advocacy

CAYEN teaches TAY how laws are made and how to change them. Through training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we empower TAY to identify policy solutions that reflect the real needs of specific populations throughout our communities.

Know Your Rights

TAY are constantly navigating systems ranging from schools
to healthcare. CAYEN prepares them to advocate for their rights and those of their peers. These trainings equip TAY to challenge inequities and build safer, more affirming spaces for all.

Substance Use Prevention

CAYEN’s approach moves beyond stigma and criminalization. We train TAY to design arts-based, harm-reduction-informed campaigns that address the root causes of substance use
while promoting healing, connection, and recovery.

TAY-led Workshops

Workshops designed by TAY, for TAY. CAYEN’s facilitators lead sessions ranging mental health, identity, advocacy, and leadership—creating spaces where participants feel seen, valued, and inspired to take action in their own communities.

CAYEN’s 2026 Public Policy Priorities

1. Support the expansion and increase of inclusive, culturally competent, and community based mental health and substance use supports and services for TAY.

2. Educate decision-makers and the public on CAYEN’s priorities to foster collaboration and joint advocacy.

3. Expand opportunities for TAY to join the behavioral health workforce, including pathways to become certified Peer Support Specialists.

4. Support increased TAY representation and support youth-centered social justice initiatives with an equity lens.

5. Monitor implementation efforts and advocate for policies, programs and services that reflect CAYEN’s Public Policy Priorities.

Download Priorities

CAYEN'S Recent TAY-led Bill Positions

〰️

CAYEN'S Recent TAY-led Bill Positions 〰️

SB 224 (Grayson) - SUPPORT

CAYEN supports SB 244 because the high cost of required diagnostic assessments creates an inequitable barrier
for TAY with mental health disabilities seeking academic accommodations. Covering these costs ensures youth can access the supports they need to succeed in higher education.

AB 68 (Essayli) - OPPOSE

CAYEN opposes AB 68 because armed school resource officers are not a mental health or behavioral health intervention, and they disproportionately harm Black and Latinx youth, increasing
their exposure to criminalization and physical danger. Youth need wellness and prevention supports, not armed officers.

AB 1230 (Bonta) - SUPPORT

Current expulsion rehabilitation plans often fail to meet the needs of the most vulnerable students, especially youth of color or those navigating substance use or mental health challenges. This bill ensures rehabilitation plans are tailored, accessible, and supportive of a student’s successful path back to school.

AB 492 (Menjivar) - SUPPORT

Stable housing and accessible youth centers are critical foundations for TAY facing homelessness and behavioral health challenges. As prevention funding has diminished, this bond ensures that youth have safe spaces and supportive services necessary for healing, stability, and economic opportunity.

SEE all 50+ bill positions (2023-25)

AB 20 (Demaio) - OPPOSE

CAYEN opposes AB 20 because ending Housing First would disproportionately harm the 9,000+ unaccompanied unhoused youth in California who rely on stable housing as the first step toward healing and stability. These youth would stand to lose the very foundation they need to recover, grow, and thrive.

AB 785 (Sharp-Collins) - SUPPORT

CAYEN supports AB 785 because it provides flexible funding for trauma-informed, community-based supports that uplift youth most impacted by violence, trauma, homelessness, and poverty. This program would essential equip communities to promote healing, safety, and better long-term outcomes for TAY.

Ready to mobilize?

Please contact us if you would like to collaborate or help bring youth expertise and lived experience to the table.