The California Parent & Youth Helpline is a free, 24/7, trauma-informed support line that has helped hundreds of thousands of families since it launched in 2020. Staffed by master’s-level counselors, it offers confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, and referrals to parents, caregivers, children, and youth statewide — by phone, text, and live chat at 855-427-2736 and caparentyouthhelpline.org, in over 240 languages.

Run by Parents Anonymous®, it is the only statewide helpline of its kind in the U.S. Peer-reviewed research (Harris, Ilhan, & Lucas, 2025) shows 85% of callers feel more hopeful within 30 minutes — results rarely seen in other mental health interventions.

Despite proven success and broad community impact, this life-saving service is now at risk. The state legislature approved $3 million in funding, but Governor Newsom removed it from the final budget, threatening to shut down the Helpline on August 31, 2025 — just when families need it most.

If this funding is not restored, 15 million Californians could lose access to this vital mental health lifeline.

We need your voice.
Sign the petition. Call your legislators. Email the Governor.
Urge them to pass a budget trailer bill restoring this Helpline’s funding — before it’s too late.

Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength®.
Let’s make sure help is always there for those who need it.