COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health: Addressing the Impact

Report #262, August 2021
COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health: Addressing the Impact

Full Report

Executive Summary

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2021
 
For Additional Information Contact:
Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
(510) 205-8042
 
The Pandemic Presents a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity to Improve Children’s Mental Health Care, Little Hoover Commission Says

California has taken bold action to improve its child mental health system. The state still needs consistent leadership and shared outcome goals to fully address the pandemic’s impact on children’s emotional well-being and to achieve lasting improvements to children’s mental health, finds the Little Hoover Commission in its latest report.

The report, COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health: Addressing the Impact, examines the pandemic’s impact on the mental and emotional well-being of children and adolescents, especially those under the age of 18. This is the Commission’s third and final report studying the pandemic’s impact on California.

In its report, the Commission finds that the pandemic has had a major impact on the mental well-being of our youth and has created an additional source of stress, anxiety, and trauma. The Commission also learned that California has long struggled to support children’s mental and emotional health adequately. Mental illness is the leading reason for hospitalization among children in California.

“We are failing at supporting the mental and emotional well-being of children and delivering care to those in need,” says Chair Pedro Nava. “Too few children receive care, and when they do, it is often too little, too late.”

The Commission highlights systemic and structural barriers that can prevent children from accessing mental health services, including a child mental health system that is extremely decentralized and that suffers from severe capacity shortages.

“The pandemic has further stressed and strained California’s already fragmented system for supporting children’s mental health,” says Vice Chair Sean Varner, a member of the subcommittee studying the state’s recovery from the pandemic. “We must attend to the system’s existing weaknesses and inefficiencies in order to fully address COVID’s impact on child mental health.”

The Commission applauds the advances that Governor Newsom and the Legislature have taken to overhaul and improve California’s system for supporting child mental health, especially through the new Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. California is poised to facilitate access to services, build a larger, more diverse mental health workforce, establish a genuine continuum of care for children, emphasize prevention and early intervention, and center schools as hubs of mental well-being.

The Commission calls on California to further expand state leadership over children’s mental health and establish shared outcome goals to ensure these efforts achieve their potential and produce a lasting and sustainable transformation of California’s child mental health system.

“California has an opportunity to build meaningfully and substantially on its efforts to better support child mental health,” says Commissioner David Beier, who also serves on the study’s subcommittee. “Meeting children’s mental health needs will require clear and consistent state leadership and clearly defined goals and expectations.”

About the Little Hoover Commission

The Little Hoover Commission is a bipartisan, independent state oversight agency created in 1962. It includes 13 Commissioners appointed by the Governor and legislative leaders. The Commission’s mission is to investigate state operations and promote efficiency, economy and improved service.

 

 

Fact Sheet

Study Description

Agenda

Overview

COVID has confronted California with two pandemics of public health: the viral pandemic and a pandemic of mental health that has fallen especially heavily on children and youth.

The pandemic created a perfect storm of stress, anxiety, and trauma that amplified preexisting challenges to young people’s mental health. California now faces a looming tsunami of children’s mental health needs. The pandemic will likely impact some young people’s mental well-being for years to come.

To address COVID’s impact on young people’s mental well-being and achieve lasting improvements in the children’s mental health system, the Commission recommends that California strengthen state leadership over children’s mental health and set shared outcome goals for quality of care and access to services.

Written testimony from hearing witnesses can be found below in the corresponding event agenda.

 

Relevant Reports
(Report #257, February 2021)
 
(Report #254, December 2020)
 
(Report #233, September 2016)
 
(Report #225, January 2015)
 
 
In the News
Print 
			Agenda
  • November 9
    2021
    Webinar on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health
    12 p.m.
    Event
    Agenda
    Webinar on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health
    12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Tuesday, November 9, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2Z9EMID
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 920-5334-7991
    Password: 835654
     
    1. Little Hoover Commission Webinar on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health
      • Pedro Nava, Chair, Little Hoover Commission
      • Sean Varner, Vice Chair and Subcommittee Member, COVID's Impact on California, Little Hoover Commission (LHC Presentation)
      • David Beier, Subcommittee Member, COVID's Impact on California, Little Hoover Commission
      • Ted Lempert, President, Children Now
      • Lishaun Francis, Director, Behavioral Health, Children Now
      • Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services

     

    1. Q&A

     

    1. Public Comments

     

    Registration for this event is not required but if you wish to receive follow-up information after the webinar, please sign-up for the event on Eventbrite.

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 29, 2021
     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (510) 205-8042

    Notice of Events

    The Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 8 on California's recall system and a webinar on Tuesday, November 9 at 12 p.m. on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The events will be conducted via Zoom. 

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the events by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included below with each event's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. The events will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event. Public comments will be heard at the end of the events and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The events may be canceled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 1 for the November 8 public hearing and by Tuesday, November 2 for the November 9 webinar. 


    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video

  • May 27
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    Or watch the hearing live on the Commission's Facebook.

    1. Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary, Health and Human Services Agency
    2. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General (Written Testimony)
    3. Toby Ewing, Executive Director, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Written Testimony)
    4. Public Comment
    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video
  • May 13
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    Or watch the hearing live on the Commission's Facebook.

    1. Dr. Brian Distelberg, Director of Research, Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center

                      with additional testimony from Dr. Amy Young, Director, Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

    1. Ken Berrick, Founder and CEO, Seneca Family of Agencies (Written Testimony)

                      with additional testimony from Robin Detterman, Chief Program Officer of Education Services, Seneca Family of Agencies

    1. Pia Escudero, Executive Director, Division of Student Health and Human Services, Los Angeles Unified School District

     

    1. Michelle Doty Cabrera, Executive Director, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (Written Testimony)

     

    1. Public Comment

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video
  • April 22
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (Written Testimony)

    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now (Written Testimony)

    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services (Written Testimony)

    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust  (Written Testimony)

    5. Public comment

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video
Print 
		Agenda
  • November 9
    2021
    Webinar on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health
    12 p.m.
    Event
    Agenda
    Webinar on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health
    12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
    Tuesday, November 9, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2Z9EMID
    Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 920-5334-7991
    Password: 835654
     
    1. Little Hoover Commission Webinar on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health
      • Pedro Nava, Chair, Little Hoover Commission
      • Sean Varner, Vice Chair and Subcommittee Member, COVID's Impact on California, Little Hoover Commission (LHC Presentation)
      • David Beier, Subcommittee Member, COVID's Impact on California, Little Hoover Commission
      • Ted Lempert, President, Children Now
      • Lishaun Francis, Director, Behavioral Health, Children Now
      • Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services

     

    1. Q&A

     

    1. Public Comments

     

    Registration for this event is not required but if you wish to receive follow-up information after the webinar, please sign-up for the event on Eventbrite.

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 29, 2021
     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (510) 205-8042

    Notice of Events

    The Little Hoover Commission will conduct a public hearing beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 8 on California's recall system and a webinar on Tuesday, November 9 at 12 p.m. on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The events will be conducted via Zoom. 

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the events by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the events are included below with each event's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the events through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. The events will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the events, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the event. Public comments will be heard at the end of the events and will be limited to three minutes per speaker and to a total of 30 minutes.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The events may be canceled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Monday, November 1 for the November 8 public hearing and by Tuesday, November 2 for the November 9 webinar. 


    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video

  • May 27
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    Or watch the hearing live on the Commission's Facebook.

    1. Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary, Health and Human Services Agency
    2. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California Surgeon General (Written Testimony)
    3. Toby Ewing, Executive Director, Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (Written Testimony)
    4. Public Comment
    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video
  • May 13
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    Or watch the hearing live on the Commission's Facebook.

    1. Dr. Brian Distelberg, Director of Research, Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center

                      with additional testimony from Dr. Amy Young, Director, Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

    1. Ken Berrick, Founder and CEO, Seneca Family of Agencies (Written Testimony)

                      with additional testimony from Robin Detterman, Chief Program Officer of Education Services, Seneca Family of Agencies

    1. Pia Escudero, Executive Director, Division of Student Health and Human Services, Los Angeles Unified School District

     

    1. Michelle Doty Cabrera, Executive Director, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (Written Testimony)

     

    1. Public Comment

     

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video
  • April 22
    2021
    Hearing on COVID-19 and Children’s Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Public Hearing
    Agenda

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (Written Testimony)

    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now (Written Testimony)

    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services (Written Testimony)

    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust  (Written Testimony)

    5. Public comment

    Public Notice

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 12, 2021

     

    For Additional Information Contact:
    Ethan Rarick, Executive Director
    (916) 445-2125

    Notice of Meetings

    On Thursday, April 22, 2021, Thursday, May 13, 2021, and Thursday, May 27, 2021 the Little Hoover Commission will conduct public hearings on COVID-19 and children's mental health. The meetings will be conducted via Zoom, under the provisions of the Bagley-Keene Act as revised by Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20.

    Members of the public are encouraged to listen to the hearings by joining online or by phone. The Zoom information and phone number for accessing the meetings is included below with each meeting's agenda and also on our website. We highly recommend members of the public access the meeting through the Zoom app. Please visit the Zoom website for instructions on how to download the Zoom app onto a computer or smartphone. All three hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission's Facebook page.

    During the hearings, members of the public may indicate to staff that they wish to make public comment by using the “raise” hand feature in Zoom or sending an email to littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov with your question and the phone number from which you have joined the hearing. As is the Commission’s normal procedure during physical hearings, public comments will be heard at the end of the hearing, following the final agenda item, and will be limited to three minutes each.

    Witnesses may be taken out of order to accommodate speakers and to maintain a quorum. The hearings may be cancelled without notice.

    If you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Little Hoover Commission at (916) 445-2125 or littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov by Thursday, April 15 for the April 22 public hearing; Thursday, May 6 for the May 13 public hearing; and Thursday, May 20 for the May 27 public hearing.

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 1)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, April 22, 2021
     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online:
    https://bit.ly/3dvS2KU  
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 988-8818-6079
    Password: 121578

    1. Dr. Tom Insel, Chair of the Steinberg Institute Board of Directors and Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
    2. Lishaun Francis, Associate Director, Health Collaborations, Children Now
    3. Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, California Alliance of Child and Family Services
    4. Alex Briscoe, Principal, California Children’s Trust
    5. Public comment


    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 2)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 13, 2021

     
    Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/3mdXiGS
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 925-6301-3723
    Password: 983525

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    AGENDA:
    Public Hearing on COVID-19 and Children's Mental Health (Part 3)
    10 a.m.
    Thursday, May 27, 2021


     Join Online or By Phone Via Zoom
    Online: https://bit.ly/2PSybx4
    Toll Free Phone: (888) 788-0099
    Webinar ID: 957-5626-2421
    Password: 845061

    1. Testimony from witnesses on COVID-19 and children's mental health
    2. Public comment

    Add to your calendar

    Please be aware that there may be delays in responding to emails or other communications to the Commission as our staff is now working remotely due to the coronavirus epidemic. We appreciate your patience.

    Video