A series of changes in funding levels and practices at the county and state during the past 6-12 months have led to reorganization and consolidation measures at Child & Family Center.

In their efforts to keep mental health services available to the public, state and county government agencies have been steadily taking cost saving measures.  These have included more restricted reimbursement procedures, modified treatment modalities which have higher costs to the mental healthcare providers, and actual cutbacks.

For many months, Child & Family Center has been able to meet the challenges and maintain services; but in order to keep the organization healthy, like so many businesses and organizations during the current economic era, it has finally become necessary to make the painful decision to restructure and consolidate staffing which has led to the layoff of some staff members.

The agency remains strong as a result of these and other sound fiscal decisions. To maintain the safety net the organization provides the community, Child & Family Center has strengthened its relationship with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (a national, grassroots, family-based organization providing parents and others with free mental health education, advocacy and support), become a licensed provider of Mental Health First Aid, and instituted a Speaker’s Bureau to increase awareness and remove the stigma of mental illness concerns.

During this time of reorganization, the work of the Child & Family Center Foundation becomes even more important and urgent, ensuring that all who need services are helped.  The Guardians of Hope annual campaign directly provides programs and services for those children and families needing assistance.  Community events such as Child & Family Center’s Taste of the Town on May 5th, and the Santa Clarita Century and Family Fun Bicycle Ride on March 30thtake on new and enormous significance for the good they provide needy families.  The community is urged to participate in these fun events.