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Washington Thriving plan seeks cross‑sector overhaul of children and youth behavioral health
Summary
Representative Lisa Callan and Sarah Rafton briefed the board on Washington Thriving, a strategic plan codified in statute (HB 2429) to create a governor’s office leadership council and align agencies around prevention, K–12 supports, perinatal care and expanded treatment services for ages prenatal through 25.
Representative Lisa Callan and Sarah Rafton presented Washington Thriving to the oversight board as a cross‑sector strategy to improve behavioral‑health services for pregnant people, children and young adults.
"We envision a future where every pregnant person, baby, child, youth and young adult is thriving and supported by their caregivers, families and communities in Washington state," Rep. Callan said, explaining the plan’s focus on governance, funding alignment and outcomes. The law (House Bill 2429) creates a leadership council in the governor’s office, includes tribal and lived‑experience representation, and charges agencies with aligning actions to the strategic plan.
Sarah Rafton, Washington Thriving policy and advocacy director, described the plan’s four initial initiatives — infrastructure and governance, perinatal mental‑health/substance‑use supports, K–12 school‑based behavioral health, and treatment services expansion. She emphasized measuring outcomes, incorporating lived experience in design, and coordinating agency work so services are culturally responsive and accessible.
Board members raised concerns about avoiding parallel systems, protecting existing local initiatives, and funding constraints. Presenters said the leadership council’s role is to coordinate existing efforts and improve cross‑agency funding and accountability rather than create duplicative programs.
