Joel Baum advocates for California's Cultural and Linguistic Competency Committee preservation

The CLCC/CFLC Joint Listening Session, held on July 1, 2025, by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission in California, focused on enhancing cultural and linguistic competency within mental health services. The meeting emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need for a nuanced understanding of diverse client needs.

The session began with discussions on the significance of incorporating cultural and linguistic perspectives in mental health initiatives. Participants highlighted the necessity of ensuring that committees reflect the communities they serve, while also maintaining a focus on specific issues relevant to those populations.

Joel Baum, representing Safe Passages in Oakland, expressed appreciation for the interactive nature of the meeting, contrasting it with more traditional, one-sided presentations. He shared positive news about the renewal of funding for his organization and raised concerns regarding potential changes to the structure of the CLCC and other subcommittees. Baum warned that merging these committees could dilute their focus on critical issues such as racism and systemic oppression, which are increasingly relevant in today's socio-political climate. He advocated for keeping the CLCC separate to ensure that these important topics remain at the forefront of discussions.

Baum proposed the idea of establishing liaison roles between committees to foster collaboration while preserving their distinct missions. This suggestion aimed to maintain synergy without compromising the individual focus of each committee.

Savani Lee, the health and policy director for the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, introduced herself and acknowledged her first-time participation in the meeting. While she did not provide specific feedback, her presence underscored the commission's outreach efforts to engage diverse community representatives.

The session concluded with a commitment to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and prioritized in mental health policy and practice. The next steps will involve further discussions on the structure and focus of the committees to enhance their effectiveness in addressing the needs of California's diverse populations.