Federal Court Mandates Mental Health Services for Thousands of California Foster Children
On March 14, 2006, the Federal District Court in Los Angeles ordered the State of California to provide mental health services to foster children in lieu of institutional care. More than 50,000 foster children may be affected by the decision, which requires state officials to begin therapeutic foster care and family-based services within six months. The class-action suit was filed by a consortium of state and national public-interest groups, including two TCWF grantees, the National Center for Youth Law and Western Center on Law and Poverty. read more
Guide to Diversifying California’s Rural Health Workforce Now Available
“The Rural Kaleidoscope: A Guide on Promising Practices to Diversify California’s Rural Healthcare Workforce,” a new report from the California State Rural Health Association, provides strategies that have been successfully used by rural health care providers throughout the state to recruit and retain a diverse workforce. Developed from a project funded by TCWF, the guide includes statistics, case studies and testimonials, as well as contact information for every case study. read more
Homeboy Industries' Businesses Train Former Gang Members and At-Risk Youth
Established in 1992 by Father Gregory J. Boyle as a response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries offers training and work experience to help at-risk and formerly gang-involved youth to become contributing members of the community. Beginning with Homeboy Bakery, the organization has also launched successful nonprofit silk-screening, merchandising, graffiti removal, maintenance and landscaping businesses. The newest enterprise, Homegirl Café, trains young women for careers in the restaurant industry. For more information, visit: www.homeboy-industries.org/
New Book Explains How Organizations Benefit From Workforce Diversity
Effective Philanthropy: Organizational Success through Deep Diversity and Gender Equality, a new book from MIT Press, offers strategies for strengthening organizations through commitment to a diverse workforce. Using demographics, case studies, strategic funding initiatives, theoretical analyses and original research, authors Mary Ellen S. Capek and Molly Mead describe models for building effective foundations that can be applied to all kinds of institutions. TCWF is among the case studies highlighted in the book. For more information, visit: mitpress.mit.edu/
TCWF Wins Award for Outstanding Communications
ATCWF has received a Bronze award for its website from the 2006 Wilmer Shields Rich Awards Program for Excellence in Communications. Sponsored by the Council on Foundations, the awards program recognizes communications by foundations and corporate giving programs that highlight the importance of foundation accountability and provide models of excellence. The award will be presented at the Council's annual conference in Pittsburgh on May 7, 2006. read more
National Public Health Week is April 3-9
Organizations across the county are gearing up for the 11th annual National Public Health Week, April 3-9. The American Public Health Association (APHA) leads the weeklong observance to educate the public, policymakers and health care practitioners about issues related to the theme, “Designing Healthy Communities: Raising Healthy Kids.” Visit APHA’s website to access resources, tools and information about events in California. Organizations are encouraged to partner with APHA by hosting an event or health fair in their local communities. read more
Beltrán-del Olmo Named to Blue-Ribbon Legislative Commission on Autism
Magdalena Beltrán-del Olmo, TCWF vice president of communications, has been appointed to the California Legislative Commission on Autism. The 16-member blue-ribbon commission, established in 2005 by Senate President pro tem Don Perata and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, will examine issues related to the early identification and intervention of autism spectrum disorders and identify gaps in programs, services, funding, education and treatment. read more
New Report Examines Higher Education Obstacles for Foster Youth
“Higher Education Opportunities for Foster Youth,” a new publication from the Institute for Higher Education Policy, examines the low level of college enrollment among foster youth. Barriers to college attendance and success include low educational expectations, frequent disruptions and changes in school placements, underdeveloped independent living skills, and lack of access to mental health care and treatment. The report presents short- and long-term policy recommendations to address these issues. read more
Publications on Engaging in Policy Work and Children's Access to Care Available
Two new Grantmakers in Health "Issue Dialogue Briefs" are available online in PDF format. "More Coverage, Better Care: Improving Children's Access to Health Services" reviews the state of current health care coverage and delivery, and provides lessons learned for more effective grantmaking. "The Path to Policy Change: Practical Steps and Lessons from Health Funders" describes the role of the public policy funder and offer tips on coalition-building, communications, community organizing, data development and analysis, and evaluation. To download these briefs, visit: www.gih.org
