CYBHI Scaling Evidence-Based and Community-Defined Evidence Practices
The Scaling EBP and CDEP Grant Program strengthens children and youth behavioral health statewide by expanding equitable, evidence-informed and community-defined practices that improve access, prevention, and long-term well-being for historically underserved communities.
Project Start/End Dates: January 2024-June 2027
Geographic Area(s) of Focus: California-Statewide
Funder: Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
Team Members: Danette McBride, Amanda Carbajal, Antoinette Manuel, David Salinas, Elisha Taasin, Phanit Dy, Dr. Ryan Mertz, Sandra Alvarez, Stacy Smithee
Project Overview
The Scaling EBP and CDEP Grant Program is a statewide effort under California’s $4 billion Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) to expand equitable, effective behavioral health interventions for children and youth. The program advances prevention, early intervention, and timely access to care through evidence-informed and community-defined approaches.
Why This Work Matters
Children and youth—particularly those from historically underserved communities—continue to face significant behavioral health disparities. There is a critical need to scale interventions that are both effective and culturally responsive, while ensuring sustainability and long-term system impact.
How This Work Is Done
As the prime recipient and third-party administrator, CIBHS partners with the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Heluna Health to distribute grant funding to more than 450 organizations statewide. These grantees—including community-based organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, tribal entities, hospitals, and clinics—are supported in building capacity to deliver services in communities with the greatest need.
What This Work Delivers
Targeted Technical Assistance
Providing equity-driven support to help organizations implement, strengthen, and sustain interventions.
Investment
To date, more than $300 million has been invested statewide to help organizations implement, strengthen, and sustain effective, culturally responsive practices.
Scaling Effective Practices
Expanding EBPs and CDEPs with demonstrated impact on children and youth behavioral health.
Equity and Sustainability
Prioritizing racial equity, community relevance, and long-term system integration.
Project Updates
CYBHI Extensions
The CYBHI extension provides existing Scaling EBP/CDEP grantees with additional time to fulfill their program goals and deliverables. To date, the program has served more than 60,000 individuals through funded evidence-based, community-defined evidence practices, while outreach, screening, and assessment activities have reached nearly 950,000 Californians. Through this extension, approximately 150 of the original 465 grantees will continue delivering critical behavioral health services and supports to communities across California.
Scaling Dyadic Care Initiative
The Scaling Dyadic Care initiative is a new funded component of CIBHS CYBHI work. This initiative will launch in partnership with UCSF. CIBHS will continue to serve as the Third-Party Administrator, with UCSF as the Training and Technical Assistance Provider. This two-year initiative is meant to support grantees in launching and sustaining Dyadic Care services. The RFA is expected to be released later this summer or early fall, with the program launching at the beginning of 2027.
