We’re hard at work creating Season 3 of A Flourishing Start. In the meantime, we’re excited to share this second BONUS episode with you! In this conversation, Gillian Katz Lamon and Jocelyn Yow discuss family leave programs and their importance. Meet Jocelyn Yow, a Council Member for the City of Eastvale, youth and family advocate, a mom, and most recently, children's book author. Meet our guest interviewer, Gillian Katz Lamon, a 2024 summer law clerk with the National Center for Youth Law, who is currently in her final year of law school.  Jocelyn shares her motivation for getting into local politics and public service at a young age. She also discusses the process of implementing a paid family leave program in the City of Eastvale, including the opposition faced and the role of male allies. Jocelyn highlights the flaws in the current system and the impact on marginalized communities. Jocelyn weaves in her experience as a mother and a politician, highlighting the need for a cultural shift in how families and children are prioritized in society. Jocelyn also talks about her work at IGNITE National, training young women to run for office and be civically engaged. She emphasizes the importance of starting conversations about politics and civic engagement at a young age. Jocelyn concludes by discussing her recently published children's book, Voting with Mommy, which aims to inspire families to talk about the importance of voting and being involved in the community. Highlights Introduction and Overview of Paid Family Leave Jocelyn's Motivation for Getting into Local Politics Including Paid Family Leave as a Policy Priority Implementing a Paid Family Leave Program in Eastvale Addressing Opposition and the Role of Male Allies Flaws in the current Family Leave Policies Paid Family Leave and Income Gaps The Impact of Motherhood on Work and Advocacy The Growing Gap in Political Ideology Writing Voting with Mommy and Inspiring Civic Engagement

We’re hard at work creating Season 3 of A Flourishing Start. In the meantime, we’re excited to share this BONUS episode with you! In this conversation, Dana, Fiona, and Esme explore what it means to be a youth advocate, the different ways a young person can engage in advocacy, how advocacy experiences differ as a youth versus as an adult, and how adults can support youth advocates. They discuss their experiences with youth commissions, challenges they have faced in their advocacy work, the importance of redefining what qualifies as experience in the professional world, and how they are each using advocacy to create a more inclusive and equitable world in which young people can thrive. Esmeralda Cortez Rosales is a Community Policy Associate at the National Center for Youth Law and leads the organization's efforts to improve infant and early childhood mental health (or IECMH) for children zero to five years old across California. Esme works with parents, caregivers, community leaders, and advocates to develop and implement community-based work that centers children and families.  Fiona Lu is a second-year student at University of California, Los Angeles studying Public Affairs and Labor Studies. Fiona has been a youth advocate since high school, where she led K-12 education policy work in Generation Up (GENup), a youth-led organization dedicated to educational equity. Now, Fiona co-leads a youth advocacy movement called What We All Deserve, which propels young people to engage in policymaking for basic needs access and economic justice. She’s passionate about bettering the lives for children and families in California and across the nation through equity-centered policymaking.  Dana Paycao, who facilitates this conversation, is Senior Policy Coordinator at the National Center for Youth Law. Dana’s role includes partnering with young people to advance policies impacting youth mental health. Highlights: Defining Advocacy Youth Commissions Navigating an Adult-Led System Tokenization and Genuine Youth Inclusion Supporting and Listening to Youth Advocates Building Relationships and Unity Compensation and Immediate Needs The Role of Adult Allies Challenges Faced by Young Advocates Redefining Experience Resources: www.youthlaw.org The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to center youth voices to transform child serving systems, such as education, health, and the justice system, to reach a world in which every child thrives. www.whatwealldeserve.carrd.co What We All Deserve is a youth-led movement to expand basic needs, the social safety net, and broader economic justice and liberation for a future in which everyone is able to fulfill their aspirations. www.generationup.net GenerationUp (GENup) is a nationwide student-led social justice organization and coalition that advocates for education through community organizing and policy reform.  www.ignitenational.org Ignite National harnesses the political power of young women and non-binary people through community building, cultivating leadership skills, and celebrating ambitions. Interested in sharing your story or suggesting a topic? Reach out to us at health@youthlaw.org. We'd love to hear from you. This episode is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, with support from the Resilience Effect initiative by Genentech, a Roche Group member.

In this episode, we will learn how advocacy plays a role in making California a better state for children and families. This episode will feature speakers from California Youth Connection (CYC), a youth-led organization that has established a unique model of youth empowerment through sophisticated policy advocacy, including working with a cohort of young parents.  Chris and Jay will share their expertise on self-empowerment, advocacy and why it is crucial for families to share their perspectives and have a voice in shaping the policies that impact them.  Highlights: 2:38-What is CYC? 29:42- Tips for parents pursuing advocacy 40:44- Experiencing postpartum in the system 50:10- Should you get involved in advocacy? Connect with California Youth Connection (CYC) today at www.calyouthconn.org. CYC welcomes volunteers, donors and youth who are impacted by the foster care system or the juvenile justice system in California. Don’t forget to follow their instagram @calyouthconn. If you would like to contact our guest speakers or get involved with CYC please fill out this form here: www.calyouthconn.org/get-involved/contact-us/  Interested in sharing your parenthood story or suggesting a topic? Reach out to us at health@youthlaw.org. We'd love to hear from you. This episode is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, with support from the Resilience Effect initiative by Genentech, a Roche Group member.

In this episode, we will talk about a long-standing, but often overlooked, resource for young children and families: public libraries. Libraries not only provide free books to borrow, they also offer resources, tools, and opportunities to help their communities thrive.  We will explore how regular trips to your local library can help both promote early learning and build community and cultural connections, enhancing a young child’s overall well-being. We will also explore funding and resource disparities and how this impacts libraries’ ability to serve their communities. To help us navigate this journey we will hear from Anthony, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Oakland Public Library and co-founder of the Father Circle. We will also hear from Marie, a mom to a one-year-old child and Development Manager for the National Center for Youth Law. Highlights: 1:17- What is a third place? 9:00- Libraries are not funded equally 24:00- Tips for parents of young children going to the Oakland Public Library  26:50- Multilingual resources at the Oakland Public Library  30:50- Finding a sense of belonging for mixed race families at the library 33:38- Marie’s favorite book recommendations  Resources: Find your local library: https://www.library.ca.gov/branches/ Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child (Child Mind Institute) EdSource article All public libraries aren’t created equal; it depends on who they serve A guide to early learning: What to know for reading readiness Also check out this related episode: For a discussion about how reading with infants and toddlers fosters early brain development and strengthens emotional bonds with parents and caregivers, be sure to check out Episode #1 from our second season. For a discussion about how play with infants and toddlers fosters healthy emotional and social connections, check out our Episode #3 from our second season. Interested in sharing your motherhood story or suggesting a topic? Reach out to us at health@youthlaw.org. We'd love to hear from you. This episode is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, with support from the Resilience Effect initiative by Genentech, a Roche Group member.

In this episode, we explore how playtime impacts young children’s learning, development, and mental health and well-being. We also learn about play therapy - what it is, when it may be helpful, and how it can help children and caregivers heal. We are joined by a mother-daughter duo, Becky Wolozin, senior attorney at the National Center for Youth Law and her mom, Dr. Danielle Murstein, child and adolescent psychiatrist. Becky is dedicated to enhancing the rights of children and youth, and is the mother of two and an advocate for child development through play. Dr. Murstein specializes in play therapy, treatment of children on the Autism Spectrum, and early childhood interventions. Highlights: 2:59- Unpacking the concept of play 4:28- Understanding “pruning” in children with trauma 9:22- Deep dive into play therapy 31:42- A mother-daughter Q&A on play 37:23- Learning through failure Interested in sharing your motherhood story or suggesting a topic? Reach out to us at health@youthlaw.org. We'd love to hear from you. This episode is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, with support from the Resilience Effect initiative by Genentech, a Roche Group member.

Hear from two dedicated dads who share their unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs in embracing fatherhood.  In this episode, we explore what the experience of being a new parent is like, the role that fathers can play in their baby’s healthy development and social-emotional well-being, and where they can go to find community and support. Meet Perry, a new dad to his nine-month-old son and family engagement liaison for the Oakland Unified School District, striving to boost enrollment in deep East Oakland.  Jorge is the dad of two daughters and leads the Project Fatherhood program at Pacific Clinics in Pasadena, California, where he facilitates weekly discussions on child development and fatherhood engagement. With four years under his belt in this role, and many more in this field, Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to fathers aiming to deepen their involvement in their children’s lives. Highlights: 8:30- Discover the ways fathers can foster their children's healthy development 13:30- Learn about “the power of play” with young children  19:00- A call for the medical system to better support father involvement 28:51- Navigating mental health as a new dad 37:27- Perry’s advice for fellow first-time fathers 39:00- Resources for dads Interested in sharing your fatherhood story or suggesting a topic? Reach out to us at health@youthlaw.org. We'd love to hear from you. This episode is brought to you by the National Center for Youth Law, with support from the Resilience Effect initiative by Genentech, a Roche Group member, dedicated to fostering a supportive community for fathers everywhere.

Discover the transformative impact of reading and storytelling on the emotional well-being of children and their caregivers in this captivating episode. Meet Callee Boulware, the Regional Director for Reach Out and Read (ROR) since 2001. Reach Out and Read’s mission is to make reading a daily joy for families. With a network of over 425 programs, Callee and her team have touched the lives of 290,000 children, empowering families with the resources to foster positive emotional development through reading and storytelling. Join us as we hear from Alejandro, a resilient father inspired by his own life challenges to leave a lasting legacy for his son by authoring "Noah’s Space Ark," a bilingual (Spanish and English) children’s book.  Don't miss the highlight of the episode, an animated "Read Out Loud" session with Alejandro, bringing the magical world of "Noah’s Space Ark" to life. Highlights: 5:43- It's never too soon to start reading to your child 12:48-What is the Reach Out and Read model? 20:38- Learn tips to make reading an enjoyable habit for your kids 25:49- Explore reading as a powerful tool for strengthening child-caregiver bonds 40:23- Experience the joy of storytelling with Alejandro's "Read Out Loud" session. Resources: Have you heard of First 5 California’s Kit for New Parents? It’s filled with useful resources and information for you and your baby – and it’s free! Find out what’s in it and how to order it ⁠here⁠ for FREE.  More info on the benefits of reading with young children Follow the Author's Instagram: @noahs.space.ark Get the book Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org.  A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Get ready for a whole host of  insights and inspiration in this finale episode of "A Flourishing Start: ABC's of Child & Family Well-being," Season 1! We're diving headfirst into the world of the “preschool-to-prison pipeline,” unpacking the complexities and shining a light on the resources and systems that can help our little ones break free from this cycle. Buckle up as we hear from the dynamic Tori Porell, the brain behind the Strong Beginnings program at East Bay Children’s Law Offices (EBCLO). As the current Education Attorney at EBCLO, Tori is on a mission to bridge the educational gap for youth experiencing foster care, and she's here to share her wisdom and warrior spirit with us! Also joining us is Sara Guillermo, the CEO of IGNITE. From being a pioneering employee to leading the charge as CEO, Sara's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She's a powerhouse of resilience, juggling roles as an immigrant, first-gen college grad, youth organizer, educator, foster parent, and a breast cancer survivor.  Highlights: 7:50 - Sara’s Epic Foster Parent Journey 17:40 - Unraveling the Preschool to Prison Pipeline 20:27 - Navigating Child Entitlements & Support Systems 35:30 - Sara's Time Machine 40:28 - Power-Up for Parental Advocacy 42:57 - The Role of an Education Attorney NOTE: In this episode, one of our speakers is an attorney, and may reference laws and legal information related to early childhood education and mental health. Please know that this is shared only as general information, and is not legal advice. Source: In this episode, we shared that preschool children are expelled at three times the rate of children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The source for this information comes from Gilliam WS, Shahar G. Preschool and child care expulsion and suspension: rates and predictors in one state. Infant Young Child. 2006;19(3):228–245. Resources: California Foster Youth Education Law Fact Sheets: English - http://www.cfyetf.org/publications_34_2864360923.pdf (see fact sheet #3 for early child education, specifically) Spanish - http://www.cfyetf.org/publications_36_3026627512.pdf (see fact sheet #3 for early child education, specifically) 0-5 Advocacy Resources Local Parent Training and Information Center Database And remember, this isn't "goodbye," it's "see you soon," as we gear up for Season 2 coming your way in February. Stay tuned, subscribe, and follow us to catch every exciting moment! Love our podcast? We want to hear from YOU! Join our feedback squad for Season 1 by emailing health@youthlaw.org or send a text to your favorite podcast host at (661) 388-6727. Let's make Season 2 even more epic together! A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

In this episode of "A Flourishing Start: ABC's of Child & Family Well-being," we talk about generational trauma, its manifestations in young children aged 0-5, and the intertwined well-being of their mothers and caregivers.  Hear from Danielle, who has 12 yrs experience working in community mental health and 8 yrs specializing in 0 to 5 year old children. Danielle is the Birth to 5 Coordinator at Pacific Clinics. Danielle is also a mom of two. Jahayra also joins the conversation as an early childhood educator and mom of one, soon-to-be two. She also is the co-host of the Spanglish true crime podcast "Cuento Crimen."  Highlights: 9:30-Defining Trauma and Recognizing Symptoms  15:36-Trauma Symptoms in Children Under 5  22:58- We Cannot Disconnect the Well-Being of the Child with Well-Being of the Caregiver 24:30- Cortisol and Its Effects on Babies 32:03- A Personal Story of Generational Trauma  38:00- Hopes for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Resources: Research study about chronic stress during pregnancy and cortisol levels in babies  Article: How we can break the cycle of intergenerational trauma  Subscribe and follow us to stay updated on future episodes. Your engagement and feedback are crucial in spreading awareness and fostering a community dedicated to improving the lives of children and families affected by generational trauma. Share this video with anyone who might benefit from these discussions! Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org. A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Dive into a riveting exploration of children's mental health in our latest podcast episode, "Empowering Early Childhood Well-Being: The Community's Role". Get ready for a compassionate and honest conversation as host, Esmeralda Cortez Rosales, engages with the inspiring Mya Whitaker, a dedicated mom and auntie, and Rhea Boyd, MD, a Pediatrician and Senior Advisor at the California Children’s Trust. In this episode, we delve into crucial topics for every parent, auntie, and caregiver: [05:46] Unpacking the True Essence of Community. [13:57] Demystifying Structural Inequality: What It Means for Our Kids. [25:28] The Role aunts can play in supporting their nieces and nephews. [29:34] Black and Brown kids experience more loss and therefore grief. [38:46] World vision reflection: Imagine a world in 2123 where our youngest and most vulnerable children are living happily and healthy. What does our community look, sound, and feel like? Send us your answers at 661-388-6727 Don't miss out on this episode, brimming with actionable insights, expert knowledge, and authentic stories, crucial for anyone dedicated to nurturing the flourishing minds of the children in our community. Tune in and be part of this transformative journey! Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org. A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Join us in our latest podcast episode, "The Balancing Act: Family Well-Being, Policies, and More," where we embark on a profoundly engaging journey into child development and mental health.  We brought three guests together to talk about all it takes for caregivers and parents to juggle caring for their little ones and what policies could be put in place to support them.  Join Eva Rivera and Angela, both Policy Directors at The Children's Partnership and Edith, who shares what it was like navigating her daughter's anxiety and ensuring she got the support she needed. In this episode, we cover critical topics: [10:54] Kids are Absorbing Everything [15:37] Self-Care for Parents: Why Your Well-being Matters to Your Little Ones [19:47] Understanding Policy and How It Impacts Child & Family Well-Being and how to improve them [30:23] Combating Burnout: Strategies for Caregivers Expect a heartfelt, informative, and transformative conversation that goes beyond the surface, tackling the everyday challenges and joys of raising children. We delve into the importance of creating a nurturing environment, how parents can manage their stress to support their children better, and the role of societal policies in shaping childhood experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of a discussion that could change how you think about parenting and child care.  Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org. A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

Join our host, Esmeralda Cortez Rosales, in an enlightening conversation with two inspiring mothers and professionals. Meet Cindy, an administrative assistant at La Clinica de la Raza and mother to three-year-old Jorge, alongside Kathryn Hallinan Aguilar, a new mom and seasoned marriage and family therapist. With over eight years in early childhood mental health and her current roles at UCSF's Center for Advancing Dyadic Care in Pediatrics, Kathryn brings a wealth of expertise to our discussion. In this episode, we delve into crucial topics for every parent and caregiver: [01:30] Mastering Emotional Expression: Teach your child to express their emotions safely. [09:07] Understanding Early Mental Health: Explore the fundamentals of infant and early childhood mental health. [15:15] Cindy’s Experience Breaking Generational Patterns: Explore the one thing a child needs.  [22:01] The Role of Dyadic Care: Unpack the concept of dyadic care and its importance. [29:00] Calming Techniques: Learn effective strategies to help your child find calmness and reset their nervous system. Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org. A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.

It seems like everyone is talking about mental health and well-being, but a unique group has been pushed aside for far too long: zero to five-year-olds and their families. Join A Flourishing Start Podcast, a guilt and shame-free online community, to be in conversation with other parents and to learn scientific and cultural-based information about early childhood mental health from professional experts. This is a community where you will finally feel like you belong; we laugh, we cry, and together, we learn how to build a flourishing start for our youngest humans. About 90% of our brain growth occurs in the first five years, making zero to five-year-old children critical to include in conversations around mental health and well-being. The series will touch on subjects that include trauma, developmental challenges, emotional distress and other sensitive areas. A Flourishing Start Podcast honors the sacred connection between young children and their families. Let's take young children and their families to the forefront of the conversation and learn about the ABCs of child and family well-being. Tune in for our very first episode next Tuesday! Want to suggest a topic or be a guest? We'd love to hear from you! Please email health@youthlaw.org. A Flourishing Start Podcast is hosted by the National Center for Youth Law and supported through a grant from the Resilience Effect, a philanthropic initiative of Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.