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Health Commission affirms access to services for unaccompanied Central American youth
Summary
The Health Commission unanimously adopted a resolution directing the Department of Public Health to ensure services for unaccompanied Central American youth and coordinate with schools, legal services and nonprofits; staff said no increase to general-fund spending was expected.
The San Francisco Health Commission unanimously adopted a resolution affirming that the city will ensure access to health services for unaccompanied Central American youth and families.
Director Garcia introduced the resolution and said the department is coordinating city agencies and community partners to respond to arrivals; she told the commission she did not expect increased general-fund spending and described existing capacity for legal services, home visiting and social work supports. Staff noted nonprofit partners were applying for federal grants to support children who do not yet have sponsors, and estimated 300'500 children could arrive (staff clarified this estimate did not include incoming families).
Commissioner Sanchez and others framed the resolution in historical context, noting prior San Francisco efforts to coordinate health, school and legal services for refugee children and describing a return to coordinated, trauma'informed care. Kenneth Epstein, children'youth'and'families lead in the department, summarized current cross'agency planning and trauma-informed approaches, and said the department had identified a school-based coordinator to manage school supports.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote.
What happens next: Staff will continue cross'agency coordination and report back as needed; the resolution is intended to signal that San Francisco welcomes and will provide services to arriving unaccompanied youth.
