Child & Family
Center

Thank you, City of Santa Clarita, for recognizing May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

For 50 years, Child & Family Center has been providing mental health services, including prevention, crisis intervention, and intensive wraparound services and support to children, youth, adults, and families throughout our community. We know that access to care, early intervention, and reducing stigma can change lives.

No one should have to struggle alone. If you or someone you love needs support, please reach out. Help is available, and healing is possible.

💚 Child & Family Center is here for our community.

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PROCLAMATION

Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2026

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and it is crucial to recognize the importance of early intervention, access to care, and reducing stigma associated with mental health challenges; and

WHEREAS, Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a vital opportunity to educate the public, encourage open conversations, and advocate for continued support and resources for mental health services; and

WHEREAS, the mental health and well-being of our children, youth, and families is directly tied to the strength and resilience of our community, and investing in accessible, high-quality mental health care leads to safer schools, stronger families, and a healthier Santa Clarita Valley; and

WHEREAS, the Child & Family Center has been the cornerstone of the Santa Clarita Valley since 1976, providing comprehensive mental health services, crisis intervention, and supportive resources to children, youth, and families facing emotional and behavioral health challenges; and

WHEREAS, the Child & Family Center is committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care, fostering hope, and ensuring that no one in our community has to struggle alone.

NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Santa Clarita does hereby proclaim May 2026, as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Signed this 12th day of May, 2026.

We are proud to share that Leah recently emceed a powerful presentation and Q&A, “Helping Youth Build Healthy Relationship Skills,” in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Office of Violence Prevention.

Leah Parker, Child & Family Center’s fantastic Outreach & Community Educator, highlighted the important work of Child & Family Center’s CORE (Community Outreach, Resources & Education) Prevention Team and shared what we have learned this year while working with youth in our community. One key takeaway: meeting students where they are matters. By offering lunchtime activities and shorter presentations, our team connected with even more students and created meaningful opportunities for learning and engagement. 🔑 🌟

The workshop, which Leah also co-hosted as the MC, titled “Helping Youth Build Healthy Relationships Skills,” joined five community agencies as they highlighted their innovative efforts to implement youth-centered education, awareness, and skill-building strategies. This workshop focused on impactful practices and how creating safe, supportive environments empowers young people to recognize characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships and begin to break generational cycles of violence.

Thank you to Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Clara Chang, and the Office of Violence Prevention for helping create space for these important conversations

Healthy family communication plays a vital role in supporting children’s mental and emotional well‑being. Guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that when families communicate openly and supportively, children are more likely to feel emotionally safe, build strong coping skills, develop healthy relationships, and seek support when needed.

Families can foster healthy communication by:
Having regular check‑ins
Listening without judgment
Naming and normalizing emotions
Modeling healthy communication at home

Together, these practices help strengthen connection, trust, and resilience—laying a strong foundation for children’s mental health. Visit childfamilycenter.org to explore mental health resources and support for children and families.

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #ChildFamilyCenter #HealthyCommunication #SupportStartsHere