DATE:
May 20, 2025
15
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
SUPPORTING SAN DIEGO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING FOR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The First 5 Commission of San Diego was established by the California Children and Families Act (Proposition 10), passed by California voters in November 1998. This statewide Proposition imposed an additional tax on tobacco products. The revenue generated from the tax is used to fund programs and activities that promote early childhood development from the prenatal stage through age five. The First 5 Commission of San Diego is responsible for implementing the California Children and Families Act in San Diego County.
In 2006, Healthy Development Services (HDS) was created and funded by the First 5 Commission of San Diego. HDS was created to address service gaps for children with developmental concerns and behavioral issues. It is a comprehensive system of developmental and behavioral services for San Diego County's young children whose challenges are not severe enough to qualify them for existing early intervention services. HDS created new treatment services for children with mild to moderate needs, providing help for children who otherwise would not receive care, and bridging crucial gaps in developmental care for traditionally underserved families.
HDS treatments focus on both the child and the caregiver. Caregivers are key partners and are given tools and support to enrich their child's development. Due to declining revenue from Proposition 10, the HDS program is facing a proposed budget reduction of $4.3 million dollars for this upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year. Reductions to HDS Services will result in children and families facing avoidable challenges and stressors due to untreated developmental and behavioral delays. Community partners are already overburdened and will be further stressed by the HDS proposed budget cuts and access to care will become li...
Click here for full text