Create and lead a statewide youth behavioral health coalition that consists of regional youth-led advocacy teams throughout the state. Establish eight (8) regional youth advocacy teams to support emerging and ongoing youth advocacy in the Commission defined K-12 regions and statewide. Oversee youth advocacy team activities in partnership with local level entities (LLEs) to provide opportunities for K-12 Students to engage in local advocacy. Elevate the behavioral health needs of K-12 Students to state level decision-makers. Hold one (1) annual statewide youth conference with the purpose of bringing together the regional youth advocacy teams to advise and engage with state-level decision-makers. Provide training and education that aims to improve K-12 Students behavioral health knowledge and ability to self-advocate. Educate local K-12 Students about the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) (Proposition 1, Chapter 790, Statutes of 2023, Senate Bill 326) impact on behavioral health access, engage in outreach to gather feedback, and advocate for the needs of underserved populations in the county integrated planning process.
