The first hour will include normal Foster Youth Alliance business, including a discussion of program priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

Special Focus on Accessing Mental Health Services

The balance of the meeting will center on a frank discussion regarding the challenges in encouraging Emancipated Youth to access Mental Health Services when needed. This conversation will delve into barriers to accessing services and strategies to diminish the obstacles. Representatives from West Coast Children’s Clinic, Fred Finch Youth Service, STARS and Alternative Family Services, the EPSDT contractors focusing on Emancipating Foster Youth have been invited to participate.

Time: 9:30 until 12:30
Location: Alameda County ILSP, 2647 International Blvd. Suite 312, Oakland, CA

Meeting Overview: If you are concerned about the budget and other policy issues affecting adolescent health, join us to hear how the Governor's proposed budget and other policy and proposed legislative changes may impact California's young people. You will also learn how advocacy groups are responding and what you can do to make a difference for youth.

Come and reconnect with other Collaborative members or meet them for the first time.

Featured Speakers Include:
Scott Graves - Senior Policy Analyst for the California Budget Project will give an overview of the Governor's 2005 proposed budget with a focus on health and human services. Anthony Wright - Executive Director of Health Access California will address current issues around access to health care including the MediCal Redesign and ongoing campaigns to increase access. Patricia Diaz - Policy Director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California will speak about trends impacting the health of Latino and other youth of color. Margaret Crosby - Attorney with the ACLU Northern California will discuss a proposed ballot initiative to restrict minors' access to reproductive health care. David Steinhart - Director of The Commonweal Juvenile Justice Program will give an update on juvenile justice reforms and potential impacts the budget may have on crime prevention programs. Maureen Sedonaen - Founder and President of the Youth Leadership Institute will give an update on and discuss issues around involving youth in public policy.

Location: Sierra Health Foundation, Bannon Island Room, 1321 Garden Highway, Sacramento CA, 95833

Registration: Register early to ensure your spot. Seating is limited to 80. There is no cost to attend the meeting. Beverages and continental breakfast will be provided. Click here to register and access directions.

More information is available by calling the Adolescent Health Collaborative at (650) 688-5883.

Contact Information
email: smasur@californiateenhealth.org
phone: (650) 688-5883
web: http://www.californiateenhealth.org

Tuesday, March 22nd @ 4:30 “Housing Workshop”: Are you a young person who is interested in looking for an apartment when you emancipate out of the foster care system? If so, come out to our Housing Workshop and get some of those questions answered. We will teach you how to find an apartment, resources you can you use while on this search and how to keep your apartment. You can RSVP or just show up! Call Justin at (510) 272-0979x10.

Thursday, March 24th @ 5:00pm “Ice skating at the Oakland Ice rink”. Do you love ice skating or always been interested in trying? If so, come out and join us! Please RSVP for this event by calling Justin at (510) 272-0979x10.

Wednesday, March 30th @ 4:30pm “First Place Supportive Housing Program Orientation”. Are you a emancipating or emancipated foster youth? Are you looking for a transitional housing program that is invested in helping you become a great adult. If so, come out to our orientation and find out more about our housing program, schedule an interview and see if our program fits what you need. You can RSVP or just show up. Call Josue @ (510) 272-0979x30 for any questions.

See attached Flyer

Thursday, March 31st @ 4:00pm “Building the Oakland of Your Dreams Youth Focus Group”. If you are a young person and want to tell adults who make decisions in the city what should be improved, changed, or preserved to make Oakland a healthier and happier place for its young people then you should come out to this forum. You can RSVP or just show up. Call Justin @ (510) 272-0979x10 for any questions. Free Pizza and refreshments will be served.

Thursday, March 31st @ 6:00pm “Free Style Rap Contest”: Do you think it you got what it takes to take on the best rappers in Oakland? Do think you have the rhymes to be the best? If you do, come out to First Place and try your rap skills against Oakland’s best. This event will be hosted by FAB, one of Oakland’s premiere rappers who was recently produced by Kanye West. If you just want to come out and cheer on the contestants, then come out and show your support! Contestants must RSVP with Justin @ (510) 272-0979x10. There are only 10 slots for contestants.

East Bay Center for the Performing Arts
339 11th Street Richmond, California

Free dinner and child care provided

Please call 415.553.2293 with inquiries. Event is free and open to the public.

This Richmond Community Media series event is made possible by grants from ChevronTexaco, the Walter and Elise Haas Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts.

We congratulate Jen on her new endeavor, which will continue to allow her to grow in her clinical work as a therapist making a difference in the lives of young people.

As a result of her departure First Place is recruiting a new Supported Housing Program Manager.

Please View the Attached Job Posting for More Information

March 18, 2005 Stakeholder Orientation Conference Call on Community Services and Supports-- Financing Issues

March 30, 2005 - Special Topic Workgroup: Community Services and Supports--Financing Issues meeting location (Save the Dates document)