PRESIDENT/CEO’S MESSAGE
I am pleased to share Child and Family Guidance Center’s Report to the Community highlighting the accomplishments of our programs and the impact on our community. We are fortunate to have a committed voluntary board of directors, staff and community partners who all play a vital role in the success of CFGC. Our outreach, clinical and educational staff are continually implementing innovative and creative strategies to engage and work with the children, youth, and families that we serve. Behind the scenes, our board of directors and administrative staff go above and beyond to advocate, promote and support our services and maintain our operations.
The efforts of everyone who supports CFGC are all the more important given the many challenges facing the public mental health system. We are experiencing an ever-growing demand for access to services while simultaneously facing a nation-wide behavioral health workforce shortage and limited funding. Our youth and children are experiencing mental health challenges in unprecedented numbers. According to national surveys, youth reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation has risen dramatically in recent years. Tragically, the number of youth who die by suicide each year continues to rise. One in five children in the US are struggling with a mental, emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder. Yet, less than half receive the support and services they need. The US Surgeon General describes the youth mental health crisis as “alarming, devastating and also preventable.”
Every day, CFGC is working to address the mental health and social service needs of our community. I am very proud of how CFGC has responded to the growing demand for services within our community. As you read through our report, you will learn about CFGC’s community outreach and education efforts, the wide breadth of mental health and social services, our training programs for mental health professionals and our emphasis on quality and innovation.
We are facing many challenges in the months and years ahead, but I know that CFGC will remain focused on achieving its mission and providing comprehensive mental health and social services to the communities that we serve.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Welch-Torres President/CEO
COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The Impact of CFGC’s Community Outreach, Education and Linkage Programs
In communities across the nation, mental health challenges continue to be a critical concern, especially for youth. CFGC’s outreach and mental health education programs are an important tool in raising awareness and engaging community members in supporting the mental health and well-being of vulnerable children and families.
Empowering Communities to Prevent Suicide
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among youth in the United States leaving a profound impact on individuals, families and entire communities. Suicide doesn’t just affect individuals—it creates a ripple effect of grief and loss that extends throughout families, schools, workplaces and entire communities. The path to prevention often begins with a simple yet powerful act: education. CFGC offers our community two powerful suicide prevention classes, a half-day SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training (safeTALK) and a more intensive two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). These courses provide community members tools to recognize warning signs, offer compassionate intervention and connect those at risk to life-saving resources.
A Crisis That Demands Action
Community educational programs like SafeTALK and ASIST address this crisis head-on by empowering people to become suicide aware, informed and proactive in supporting those who may be struggling.
By normalizing conversations about suicide and mental health, CFGC’s programs break down stigma and build stronger, safer communities.
CFGC has provided more than 60 trainings educating approximately 1,400 community members to recognize the signs of suicide and save lives.
Both courses are internationally recognized as effective:
• SafeTALK Suicide Prevention Training:
SafeTALK is a half day training that teaches participants to recognize subtle warning signs of thoughts of suicide and connect at-risk individuals to resources. Using both presentations and interactive elements, safeTALK participants learn how to respond to the potential for suicide and move beyond the tendency to miss, dismiss or avoid talking about suicide. SafeTALK is designed for individuals 15 years or older—regardless of background or experience—making it a powerful tool for creating suicide-alert communities.
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST):
ASIST is an intensive, hands-on, two-day workshop that prepares participants to intervene effectively during moments of crisis. Through role-play exercises, real-world scenarios and active listening techniques, trainees gain confidence in assessing suicide risk, providing immediate emotional support and developing practical, actionable safety plans. Participants become “suicide first responders” equipped to offer life-saving support when it matters most.
Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide
Talking about suicide can feel difficult, but silence only perpetuates shame and isolation. By creating a culture of empathy and openness, CFGC’s education programs encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
Participants learn the power of listening, asking thoughtful questions and being present—all of which foster trust and connection. This shift is critical in making individuals feel seen, heard and understood, which can often make the difference between despair and hope.
Measurable Impact and Real-World Change
The success of ASIST and SafeTALK is reflected in tangible results. Communities with trained individuals consistently show improved early intervention outcomes and reduced suicide rates. These programs also help alleviate strain on emergency services by enabling trained helpers to step in before crises escalate, ensuring that individuals receive support early and effectively. By equipping individuals with knowledge, skills and confidence, CFGC fosters a culture where support is accessible, stigma is reduced and lives are saved. Preventing suicide is not solely the job of professionals—it’s a shared responsibility that belongs to all of us. Whether through the foundational awareness-building of SafeTALK, or the intensive intervention strategies of ASIST.
Helping Families Access Care: CFGC’s Children’s Health Outreach, Enrollment,
Utilization and Retention
Program
For over 20 years, CFGC has had a highly successful Children’s Health Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization and Retention Program (CHOEUR). The CHOEUR program educates and assists eligible families with enrollment, utilization and retention of low-cost health coverage for their families. Obtaining, maintaining and utilizing health care coverage is critical for children and families. Our CHOEUR outreach team is expert at networking and reaching vulnerable and underserved families within our community to educate families on the importance of health and mental health services and to provide the support to access needed care. Annually, our team reaches thousands of families and assists them in obtaining coverage and using those benefits to meet the needs of their families.
Childrens Outreach and Utilization Program
The Impact of Care-Coordination and Whole Person Care for Individuals with Complex Needs
A Spotlight on Enhanced Care Management
Many of the families that we serve face multiple challenges and have complex needs. They often find themselves trying to navigate multiple service systems including primary and specialty medical care, mental health programs, substance abuse services, special education and/or other supportive services (food, housing) that they may need.
Enhanced Care Management is designed to improve the health outcomes of individuals by offering personalized, holistic care for high risk populations. It addresses the complex needs of individuals, especially those who face barriers such as chronic health conditions, mental health challenges, homelessness or substance use. The goal of ECM is to coordinate care across various service providers, ensuring that individuals have access to the necessary support at the right time and in the right place.
At its core, ECM involves working directly with clients to assess their needs, create tailored care plans and coordinate services across healthcare, mental health, social services and other community resources. Participants receive comprehensive care management and coordination from a single Lead Care Manager. The program involves close partnerships with healthcare providers, social workers, case managers and community organizations. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that no one falls through the cracks, particularly in communities that may face higher risks due to socioeconomic challenges.
EARLY INTERVENTION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD
Transforming Futures: How CFGC’s Early Intervention and Family Focused Programs Change Lives
CFGC recognizes the importance of early intervention programs for children and youth who are experiencing mental health challenges. Early intervention can address trauma, support caregivers, build adaptive coping skills and establish a positive developmental trajectory.
The Impact of Early Childhood Programs: How IBIT Supports Children and Families
A critical period in a child’s development, early childhood is a time of rapid brain development, where the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior and health is established. Early childhood programs, like CFGC’s Integrated Behavioral Intervention Therapy (IBIT), play a pivotal role in fostering healthy development and preventing future challenges.
What is IBIT?
Integrated Behavioral Intervention Therapy (IBIT) is a structured, therapeutic program designed to support at-risk preschool age children and families. The IBIT model focuses on developing and enhancing key skills in children, including emotional regulation, social interaction and problem-solving. The program emphasizes the key role parents play in supporting their child’s development.
The Impact on Children
Children who participate in IBIT programs receive targeted support in areas such as:
• Emotional Regulation
• Social Skills
• Cognitive Development
• School Readiness Skills
The Impact on Families
IBIT recognizes the integral role that parents and caregivers play in shaping a child’s development. The program provides Parental Support, Education and Linkage to Community Resources which helps to:
• Empower Parents
• Reduce Parental Stress
• Build Stronger Parent-Child Relationships
Long-Term Benefits
The benefits of early childhood programs like IBIT extend far beyond the immediate outcomes seen in children and families. Studies show that early intervention programs are linked to long-term positive effects, including academic success, resilience, ability to develop positive social connectedness and mental well-being.
Early childhood programs like IBIT play an essential role in shaping the future of children and families. By providing timely intervention, emotional support and educational resources, these programs promote healthy development and prevent long-term challenges.
Strengthening Parent-Child Bonds: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parents and caregivers play a critical role in supporting their child’s emotional, social and cognitive development. For parents struggling to manage their child’s behavior, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) offers hope, guidance and support.
What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program designed for children ages 2 to 7 displaying defiance, aggression and/or emotional dysregulation. Unlike traditional approaches, PCIT focuses on real-time, interactive coaching for parents, helping them learn effective strategies to address their child’s behavior while fostering a stronger bond.
Each session involves parents and children engaging in guided play while a trained therapist observes and provides immediate feedback to the parent through a headset. This immersive, hands-on approach ensures that parents build confidence and develop skills they can apply at home.
The Impact of PCIT
PCIT helps to create healthier family dynamics including:
• Strengthening the Parent-Child Bonds: Caregivers learn how to connect meaningfully with their children, building trust and mutual understanding.
• Promoting Positive Behavioral Changes: Children develop improved self-regulation and reduced instances of defiance or aggression.
• Reducing Parental Stress: Families feel more equipped to handle challenges, leading to calmer, more harmonious households.
One Mother’s Experience
A mother who recently completed the PCIT program at CFGC shared:
“When I first started, I felt overwhelmed and disconnected from my son. Every day felt like a struggle. Through PCIT, I learned to communicate with him in ways that brought us closer. Now, instead of constant conflict, we have laughter and understanding. Our home is finally peaceful.”
These stories are not uncommon. Each family who participates in PCIT leaves with renewed confidence, stronger relationships and the tools to navigate the challenges of parenting with compassion and consistency.
Family Based Interventions: Impact of Functional Family Therapy at CFGC
In today’s fast-paced world, families often face challenges that can strain relationships and impact mental well-being. When a child struggles, the whole family struggles. At the Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC), Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is making a tangible difference by helping families rebuild trust, improve communication and foster healthier dynamics.
What is Functional Family Therapy?
FFT is a short-term, evidence-based intervention designed to address complex family issues, including conflict, behavioral problems and mental health challenges. Grounded in respect and collaboration, FFT focuses on leveraging a family’s strengths to create sustainable change. The model emphasizes engagement, motivation and behavior change to improve family functioning and support positive outcomes.
How FFT is Transforming Lives at CFGC
For many CFGC clients, FFT provides a lifeline. By addressing the root causes of familial distress, the therapy empowers families to overcome challenges together. The ripple effects of this approach are far-reaching:
1. Strengthening Bonds: Families often report feeling more connected and better understood. Parents develop skills to guide their children effectively, while youth learn constructive ways to express themselves.
2. Improved Outcomes for Youth: FFT has proven effective in reducing high-risk behaviors among teens, including truancy, substance abuse and aggression. By creating a supportive environment, CFGC is helping youth thrive at home, school and in their communities.
3. Building Resilience: FFT equips families with tools to handle future challenges independently, promoting long-term stability.
A Local Family’s Success Story
One family, struggling with escalating conflict and communication breakdowns, found new hope through FFT at CFGC. With the guidance of their therapist, they learned to reframe their interactions, focus on mutual understanding and rebuild their relationships. Six months later, they reported fewer conflicts, improved communication and renewed confidence as a family unit.
Expanding FFT’s Reach in the Community
As CFGC continues to grow its FFT program, the organization is committed to making these services accessible to even more families in the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. By partnering with schools, juvenile justice systems and other community organizations, CFGC aims to ensure that every family in need can benefit from this life-changing therapy.
A Commitment to Holistic Family Wellness
Functional Family Therapy is more than a service; it reflects CFGC’s dedication to holistic, family-centered care. By addressing not just individual challenges but the family system as a whole, CFGC continues to create lasting impacts that ripple through the community.
For families seeking support, CFGC offers hope, healing and a path forward—together.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAMS
Offering a Path Forward
CFGC has a continuum of care that includes intensive outpatient programs for the highest risk youth and families. Utilizing a team approach, CFGC can provide comprehensive care to meet the complex needs of families and youth who are struggling with overcoming trauma, substance abuse, school failure, multiple hospitalizations and/or are at-risk of out of home placement.
Whatever It Takes: CFGC’s Full-Service Partnership Program
CFGC’s Full-Service Partnership (FSP) program is making a profound difference in the lives of youth and families. Through its comprehensive, individualized approach, FSP has helped countless individuals reclaim their lives and strengthen their families.
What Is Full-Service Partnership?
Full-Service Partnership is an intensive specialized field-based program designed for children and youth who are struggling with severe mental health challenges. At its core is the “whatever it takes” philosophy, which provides tailored, wraparound care to address the unique needs of the youth and family. FSP employs a team approach including a therapist to provide individual and family therapy, a Child and Family Specialist (CFS) to work on skill building and a Parent Partner to provide support to parents-caregivers in making changes in the family. Family Advocates provide linkage to needed resources and, as needed, psychiatrists to provide medication support services. The FSP team is available 24-7 to provide crisis intervention. By addressing mental health and the social factors that impact well-being, FSP creates a comprehensive path to recovery and stability.
Many of the youth in FSP present with high risk behaviors (suicidal, aggressive) so a primary goal of FSP is to stabilize the youth and family (e.g., assist caregiver in providing increased structure, develop new parenting skills, support client in different manner) to reduce negative impact of symptoms (reduce hospital admissions, school suspensions, etc.) and improve adaptive functioning (e.g., improve school functioning, social and community activities, etc.)
A Ripple Effect Across Communities
By stabilizing individuals and equipping them with the tools to thrive, the program creates lasting ripple effects:
• Reducing Systemic Burdens: FSP decreases the need for hospitalizations, emergency interventions and interactions with the justice system.
• Strengthening Families: The program fosters healing within families, strengthening relationships and support networks.
• Promoting Resilience: By empowering clients, FSP builds stronger, more self-sufficient communities.
Promoting Academic Success: CFGC’s Northpoint School
CFGC’s Northpoint School, is a Non-public School for students grades 9-12 with emotional and/or behavioral challenges whose educational needs cannot be met in a public-school setting.
An Individualized Approach to Education
Northpoint School offers a safe and nurturing environment where students can flourish. With small class sizes, individualized learning plans and a multidisciplinary team of educators, therapists, and counselors, Northpoint tailors its approach to meet the unique needs of each student. This combination of academic rigor and therapeutic intervention enables students to gain confidence, develop essential life skills and achieve milestones once thought unattainable.
Support Beyond the Classroom
For families, Northpoint is a source of relief and hope. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the challenge of navigating school systems in search of the right setting for their child. Northpoint offers parents not just an educational partner but also a community of support.
Through regular communication, workshops and family counseling, the school empowers parents and guardians to play an active role in their child’s growth. Families frequently express how Northpoint has become a lifeline, providing a sense of stability and optimism for the future.
Building Futures, One Student at a Time: Brittney’s Story
From Northpoint student to CFGC intern, Brittney’s Journey with CFGC is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of support and community. Her experience with CFGC began when she was 12 years old, in the sixth grade. Referred by her middle school counselors, Brittney sought help from CFGC for depression and anxiety. In addition, her medical challenges led her to be homeschooled throughout middle school, further isolating her from peers and deepening her sense of isolation.
At 15, Brittney returned to public school, attending classes online, which continued to limit her social interactions and exacerbate her depression. Recognizing her need for a more supportive educational environment, Brittney was approved to attend a non-public school. After touring several non-public schools, Brittney chose Northpoint for its close proximity to her home and her familiarity with CFGC’s outpatient care. Although initially reluctant to attend classes at Northpoint, Brittney quickly warmed to the school’s community, thanks to the patience, kindness and camaraderie of the staff and her peers.
The small student body of 60 students, who shared similar challenges, helped her feel connected and understood. With the support of Northpoint’s staff, Brittney achieved her goal of returning to public school for her junior high year, demonstrating her determination and the effectiveness of her counseling. Her experience at CFGC and Northpoint fueled her aspiration to become a child psychologist. In 2020, Brittney was accepted into California State University, Northridge (CSUN), majoring in child development. There, she reconnected with Mary Becker, a Northpoint School staff member, who offered her an internship.
Eager to give back, Brittney accepted and, in October 2023, committed to a one-year internship at Northpoint as a teacher’s assistant. In this role, she supported students with their assignments and activities, relishing the opportunity to help others navigate challenges similar to those she had faced. One of the most rewarding aspects of her internship was assisting a student struggling with mental health challenges during a personal crisis. “It was an amazing feeling to return to Northpoint School and help other students through experiences I once faced,” Brittney shared. Her time as an intern reinforced her career choice and solidified her confidence in her major and field.
When asked what advice she would offer future Northpoint interns, Brittney emphasized, “Remember that Northpoint School students are just kids who really want to be kids and need care and patience. Northpoint is a unique and special community for both staff and students.”
Northpoint School stands as a shining example of how tailored education and therapeutic support can transform lives. Its ripple effect—on students, families and the broader community—reminds us that the true measure of a society is how it cares for its most vulnerable members. Through Northpoint, CFGC not only changes lives but inspires a future where every child is seen, supported and celebrated.
“Having staff put their faith in me was amazing. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to return and support other students.”
Brittney
Northpoint School Information 2014 - 2024
10 Year Graduation Rate
89 High School Graduates
Continuing Education
16 graduates attended community college and/or vocational training.
2 graduated to a four-year university
1 graduated to an undergraduate degree
1 graduated to a master’s program
Building the Mental Health Workforce of Tomorrow: CFGC’s
Training Programs and Stipends
The mental health landscape in California faces a critical challenge: an ever-growing demand for services coupled with a shortage of trained professionals to deliver them. CFGC is committed to building the workforce of tomorrow through its master’s and doctoral training programs. Each year CFGC accepts second-year students from local social work and marriage and family therapy master-level programs. In addition, CFGC has a nationally APA accredited doctoral psychology internship program as well as post-doctoral internship. CFGC’s robust training programs equip future mental health professionals with the knowledge, experience and tools to thrive in community-based settings. Training emphasizes evidence-based practices, cultural competence and trauma-informed care, preparing staff to address the diverse and complex needs of the community.
“The stipend is more than financial support—it’s an investment in the future of mental health care. It enables us to sustain a pipeline of dedicated professionals who will serve where they are needed most.”
Susan Hall-Marley, Ph.D., Senior Director of Training
Supporting CFGC Employees in Returning to School
In addition to CFGC’s internship programs, CFGC encourages and supports employees who return to school to pursue advanced degrees in behavioral health. Under a grant from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, CFGC is able to award $25,000 stipends to employees who are pursuing their masters or doctoral degree in behavioral health. CFGC also offers job conversions to allow eligible employees to complete their required internship experience and retain their employment with CFGC.
This financial boost not only reduces barriers for those pursuing advance degrees in the mental health field but also helps CFGC attract and retain top talent. With the cost of living in Southern California continuing to rise, the stipend provides much-needed relief to staff balancing academic, professional and personal responsibilities.
“I used the stipend to purchase a new computer, books and gas to get to and from the library to study.”
Angela Wheeler, Mental Health Specialist
“The HCAI CFGC stipend will support my growth in healthcare, particularly in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. It will provide access to resources and workshops focused on integrated care models, enhancing my understanding of social factors affecting health and the barriers faced by underserved populations.”
Sheila Quinn, Child Behavioral Specialist
“With this support, I’ll expand my reach to those who have been historically underserved or marginalized, ensuring that my services are accessible to all. It’s about fostering empowerment and resilience within themselves and in their communities.”
Jaylene Quintana, Mental Health Specialist
The Ripple Effect on the Community
The impact of CFGC’s training program and stipend initiative extends far beyond the clinical staff. By ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals into the field, CFGC enhances its ability to deliver high quality care to thousands of children and families annually. From early intervention programs to innovative therapy services, the contributions of CFGC-trained clinicians touch every corner of the community.
Furthermore, initiatives like the stipend and job conversion programs inspire a new generation to consider careers in mental health. By addressing financial and systemic barriers, CFGC is creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive as leaders in this critical field.
Staff Impact
Susan Hall-Marley, Ph.D., Senior Director of Training
Susan Hall-Marley has dedicated her career to advancing Community Mental Health and setting a high standard for training excellence. She began her journey with the Child and Family Guidance Center (CFGC) in 1983 as a psychology intern. Soon after, she became a staff psychologist and in 1993, Susan assumed her current role as Director of Training and joined CFGC’s Senior Management Team, leaving a lasting impact on countless professionals.
For those who have trained under her, Susan has been a pivotal figure, guiding their professional growth and development. Her leadership of the psychology internship program has been marked by unwavering commitment and consistency. Under her direction, the pre-doctoral internship program has gained national recognition for its exceptional quality and remains fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Susan’s influence extends beyond CFGC; she has collaborated with other agencies and universities to enhance training programs across Los Angeles County. As an APA site visitor, she has played a vital role in assisting other organizations nationwide in achieving accreditation for their pre-doctoral programs.
In addition to overseeing the psychology internship program, Susan directs the MSW internship program, which is a leading choice for second-year MSW candidates. Most recently, she spearheaded the development of a new MFT internship program, responding to the evolving needs of CFGC and the community it serves.
“At CFGC, we don’t just train clinicians; we nurture change-makers who are committed to strengthening families and communities,”
Susan Hall-Marley
Number of Clinicians Trainees
Psychologists Trained
Interns: 305
Postdoctoral Fellows: 50
Social Workers Trained Interns: 200
Marriage and Family Therapists Trained Marriage and Family Therapists: 14
UCLA Psychiatrists Trained General Psychiatry Residents: 96
Vision
Mission
Values
FINANCIAL REPORT
CFGC Revenues
CFGC Expenses
CLIENT DEMOGRAPHICS
Outpatient Clients Served
3,602
Total Clients Served
7,555