Youth Voices at the Table: Shaping the Future of Mental Health Service

On October 17, young people from across New York State came together for our Youth Mental Health Advisory Board meeting to connect, share their experiences, and speak directly with state leaders about the issues that matter most to them.

A special thank you to our youth members for making their voices heard and to representatives from the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for joining the conversation. From barriers to accessing care to making mental health and substance use services more responsive to young people's needs, these discussions reinforced the importance of including youth in decisions that affect their lives.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day meaningful.

New Episode of The Peercast: Recovery

September is National Recovery Month, and in this episode we’re taking a closer look at addiction and recovery.

We’ll talk about what science tells us about addiction and the changes it can make in the brain, how the United States’ approach to addiction has evolved from punishment toward a greater focus on treatment and public health, and how stigma can make it harder for people and families to seek help.

Zack also sits down with Morgan Thompson - Youth/Young Adult Recovery Program Director at Youth Voices Matter, as well as Cortney Hinson, an expert with lived experience who is a Senior Advisor of Practice Improvement at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Families Together in New York State is currently hiring for a Youth Engagement Specialist in to elevate youth voice, strengthen community partnerships, and support systems change efforts.

If you’re passionate about creating meaningful change and bringing lived experience to leadership and advocacy, we encourage you to learn more and apply.

Use the button below to view the full job description and application information.

Save the Date

Highlights from the October 2026 NYS System of Care Newsletter

The 988 Crisis Systems Response Training and Technical Assistance Center has released a new tip sheet, Supporting Children, Youth, and Families in Crisis. This practical resource offers family-centered strategies to help prevent crises, respond effectively when a child or youth is experiencing emotional distress, and promote recovery through early identification and connection to appropriate supports.

Join us of our "Systems Advocacy 101: Family and Youth Creating Change Together" Workshop

Thursday December 3^rd, 2026

6:00pm-7:00pm

Systems Advocacy Workshop

This systems advocacy 101 workshop aims to equip participants with foundational knowledge of systems advocacy, build their skills and confidence, and empower them to influence policies, practices, and systems that affect their lives and communities. Participants will explore how systems operate, identify opportunities for change, and develop practical strategies to advocate for meaningful and sustainable change.