The California Parent & Youth Helpline is a vital, life-saving service that offers free, trauma-informed mental health support to struggling families across the state.
Launched in 2020, it is the only statewide, free Helpline where trained master’s-level counselors answer calls, texts, and live chats 24/7 at 855-427-2736 and via caparentyouthhelpline.org. The Helpline provides evidence-based emotional support to hundreds of thousands of parents, children, and youth facing mental health challenges, abuse, isolation, and crisis. Services are confidential, available in 240 languages, and designed to reach anyone who needs help — whenever they need it.
But now, due to proposed budget cuts in California’s 2025–26 fiscal plan, this essential service, run by the nonprofit Parents Anonymous® Inc., is at risk of shutting down entirely.
Click on the buttons below to sign a petition and write a letter to advocate for a budget trailer bill to add $3 million per year for 3 years in funding for the California Parent & Youth Helpline® to next year’s budget.
Governor's Office
| Name/Office | Phone | Contact Page |
|---|---|---|
| Governor Newsom High Importance* | (916) 445-2841 | https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ Select "Budget Proposal 2025-26" |
| Lt. Governor Kounalakis | (916) 445-8994 | https://ltg.ca.gov/contact/ |
Senate
| Name/Office | Party | Constituent District | Phone Number | Contact Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Wiener — San Francisco High Importance* | DEM | District 11 | (916) 651-4011 | https://sd11.senate.ca.gov/contact Select "Issue / Other" |
| Mike McGuire High Importance* | DEM | District 2 | 916) 651-4002 | https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/contact |
| Akilah Weber Pierson | DEM | District 39 | (916) 651-4039 | https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/contact Select "Bill Comment" |
| Shannon Grove | REP | District 12 | (916) 651-4012 | https://sr12.senate.ca.gov/e-mail-senator Select "General" |
| Carolyn Menjivar | DEM | District 20 | (916) 651-4020 | https://sd20.senate.ca.gov/contact Select "Other" |
Assembly
| Name/Office | Party | Constituent District | Phone Number | Contact Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jesse Gabriel High Importance* | DEM | District 46 | (916) 319-2046 | https://a46.asmdc.org/contact-frame Select "Comment on Bill / Legislation" |
| Robert Rivas High Importance* | DEM | District 29 | (916) 319-2029 | https://speaker.asmdc.org/contact-me Select "Other" |
| Dawn Addis | DEM | District 30 | (916) 319-2030 | https://a30.asmdc.org/contact Select "Legislative or Budget Proposal" |
| Mia Bonta | DEM | District 18 | (916) 319-2018 | https://a18.asmdc.org/contact Select "Health" |
| Pilar Schiavo | DEM | District 40 | (916) 319-2040 | https://a40.asmdc.org/contact Select "Legislative Opinion" |
| Jose Luis Solache | DEM | District 62 | (916) 319-2062 | https://a62.asmdc.org/ Select "Healthcare" |
Sample Call Script
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/County]. I’m calling to ask for [Legislator Name]’s support to keep the California Parent & Youth Helpline going.
This 24/7 Helpline, run by Parents Anonymous®, is a free and trusted place for parents, children, and youth across California to talk, get support, and find resources—before things reach a crisis. It’s helped thousands feel better and more hopeful, with 85% of callers reporting improved well-being in just 30 minutes.
The Helpline is hanging on by a thread. If the state doesn’t act, the Helpline will shut down, leaving more than 15 million Californians—especially those with nowhere else to turn—without this lifeline.
Please support a budget trailer bill to add $3 million per year for 3 years needed to keep this vital service going. Mental health and family support should be available to everyone.
Can [Legislator Name] commit to supporting this?
[IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please call me back at (Your Phone) to let me know your position. Thank you.]”
Sample Contact Message
Subject / Topic: Save the California Parent & Youth Helpline!
Comment Body (Under 2000 Characters): As your constituent, I’m writing with deep concern about the future of the California Parent & Youth Helpline, a free, statewide, 24/7 support line run by Parents Anonymous®. The Helpline is hanging on by a thread and without renewed state funding, this essential service will shut down.
This Helpline is more than a number to call—it’s a lifeline for families, offering a safe place when there isn’t one. It provides immediate, compassionate emotional support to parents, caregivers, children, and youth—many of whom have nowhere else to turn. Since its launch, the Helpline has supported thousands of Californians, offering confidential emotional support, referrals, and connection to resources in real time.
The results speak for themselves: 85% of callers report feeling better and more hopeful within just 30 minutes, rather than waiting months or years to access services. If this Helpline disappears, over 15 million parents, children, and youth across California could lose access to life-saving support.
I respectfully urge you to support a budget trailer bill to add $3 million per year for three years (FY 2025–26 through FY 2027–28) needed to keep this vital service alive. In a time of rising stress, anxiety, and family challenges, we must invest in prevention, connection, and community-based solutions.
The Helpline offers more than a phone call—it brings dignity, prevention, and well-being. Mental health doesn’t wait for office hours, and families shouldn’t have to wait for help.
Please support continued funding for the California Parent & Youth Helpline. Your leadership can help keep this critical support available to everyone who needs it.