CA Alliance Budget Response Statement: California Values Kids; State Budget Must Do More to Protect Youth in Crisis

Sacramento, Calif —The following statement may be attributed to California Alliance of Child and Family Services’ CEO Pete Weldy, in response to Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-2027 budget:

“Trump and his administration’s policies, funding cuts, and acts of retribution have cruelly and intentionally been putting California’s most vulnerable children and families into crisis, which has placed unprecedented strain on our safety net. Stripping health care and food assistance pushes families to the brink and puts more children and youth at risk.

But when Washington turns its back on children, California cannot. The Governor faces a clear choice: retreat or fight back by investing in children, families, and the community-based providers who support them.

The California Alliance and its 210 members are disappointed that the Governor’s budget largely maintains the status quo and leaves community-based organizations who provide critical child welfare and behavioral health services financially vulnerable.

Many organizations are already being forced to close their doors, squeezed between inadequate state rates and soaring costs – particularly by an unresolved insurance crisis that continues to need real leadership from the Governor. While the temporary 2025 relief for Foster Family Agencies was critically important, it was only a first step and falls short of ensuring long-term stability.

We are also deeply concerned by the proposal to make mobile crisis services optional and to reduce statewide funding accordingly. These services and interventions have been proven to save lives and are essential for families who need timely behavioral health support. Mobile crisis is often the difference between care and criminalization.

Budgets are statements of values, and we urge state leaders to stand with members of the California Alliance to fight for a better future for California’s children and families, even in a difficult budget year.”