United for Youth: Blueprint for Youth Well-Being

San Mateo County youth are facing growing social-emotional and behavioral health challenges. In response, the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities is launching United for Youth, an inclusive process to develop a county-wide strategic plan of action to better meet the social-emotional and behavioral health needs of our youth.

Project Background

San Mateo County’s school-aged children and youth face challenges to their mental health and well-being. These challenges have been compounded by long-standing inequities and the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the complex, multi-faceted, and multi-system challenges requires a holistic approach including shared understanding that aligns strategies, prioritizes collaboration, and embraces accountability to achieve equity. While there are existing initiatives and individual projects in place to achieve better systems and services for our young people, San Mateo County will benefit from a unified and aligned plan of action that leverages current programs and services and prioritizes opportunities to improve social and emotional well-being for school- and transitional-aged youth. 

Project Structure

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee will offer strategic oversight and input on the development of the plan of action. The Committee membership includes representatives of the Board of Supervisors, San Mateo County Office of Education, San Mateo County Health, Health Plan of San Mateo, health care districts, community nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, as well as youth and parent leaders.

Workgroups

Cross-sector workgroups will meet over the course of the 2023-24 school year to assess the current landscape, identify gaps, and make recommendations for strategies to be included in a county-wide strategic action plan to improve behavioral health and well-being for school- and transition-aged youth.