Child & Family Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the SCV Interagency Behavioral Health Committee
Child & Family Center has announced the 25th anniversary celebration of its Santa Clarita Valley Interagency Behavioral Health Committee, a collaborative community effort established by Child & Family Center in 2001 to strengthen coordination, improve access to services and support the well-being of children, youth and families throughout the Santa Clarita Valley.
Over 25 years ago, the committee brought together a diverse group of school representatives, healthcare providers, behavioral health providers, community-based organizations, law enforcement, probation and county departments, including the Departments of Children and Family Services and Mental Health. Together, committee members work to identify community needs, reduce barriers to care, share resources and develop coordinated approaches to better support children, youth, foster youth, families and caregivers.
The committee’s purpose is rooted in a systems approach that promotes awareness of community needs, strengthens multidisciplinary collaboration and improves the lives of children and families. Its ongoing work includes confidential case presentations and consultations, development of integrated educational, treatment and service plans, resource sharing and identification of community needs and opportunities.
Larry Schallert, one of the founding committee members and a former Child & Family Center therapist, said, “It’s hard to believe it has been 25 years. When we started, many of us didn’t know each other’s referral criteria, protocols, or even one another personally, and people were frustrated trying to help families navigate disconnected systems. The Interagency approach helped us move from ‘that’s someone else’s case’ to a shared-responsibility model in which we stayed engaged, solved problems together and built real relationships. Through the years, we became colleagues, friends and partners—and that collaboration has made a lasting difference for our community.”
“For 25 years, this committee has represented the very best of collaboration in the Santa Clarita Valley,” said Nikki Buckstead, President & CEO of Child & Family Center. “No single organization can meet every need alone. The formation of this collaboration ensures we can better support children, youth and families through coordinated, compassionate and effective care. Child & Family Center is proud to have established and continued supporting this important community partnership.”
Over the years, the Santa Clarita Valley Interagency Behavioral Health Committee has helped reduce barriers to care, support coordinated case consultation and strengthen communication among youth and family-serving organizations. The committee continues to meet regularly, providing a consistent space for community partners to collaborate, problem-solve and respond to the community’s changing needs.
As Child & Family Center celebrates 50 years of service to the community, the 25th anniversary of the Interagency Behavioral Health Committee is a meaningful reminder of the center’s long-standing commitment to partnership, access and the wellbeing of children and families.
For more information about the Santa Clarita Valley Interagency Behavioral Health Committee, please contact Jaime Piscione, VP of Programs & Services at [email protected]
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