Message from David J. Canepa, District 5 Supervisor (2025 Board President)
As a father, I see every day how much our children depend on us to build the world they’ll inherit. Our investments today, in their health, education, safety, and sense of belonging, are really investments in San Mateo County’s future. Every child deserves a strong start which includes a healthy mind, body, and spirit, a caring adult to guide them and a community that meets their essential needs and nurtures their dreams. By working together, we can ensure that every young person in our county has the tools and opportunities to thrive and to lead us into a brighter tomorrow.
Message from Mike Callagy, County Executive Officer
As a parent and community member, I’m honored to share the Children, Youth, and Families Budget for FY 2025-27. This budget reflects our promise to give every child in San Mateo County the strong start they deserve. Our investments in early learning, child and family health, behavioral health supports, youth enrichment, and library services are really investments in their future, and in ours. Even with state and federal uncertainties, we remain committed to protecting essential programs that help children learn, grow, and thrive. In FY 2025-26, we dedicate $492 million to services that directly support children, youth, and families, with room to expand as new impactful programs emerge. Behind these numbers are stories of young people who gain confidence, discover their strengths, and overcome barriers because their community believes in them. By investing in our children today, we strengthen the foundation for a brighter, more successful tomorrow for everyone.
Children's Bill of Rights
Adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 2008, the Bill of Rights for Children, and Youth serves as a statement of commitment, and vision for providing services to children, and youth in San Mateo County. This document, written in collaboration with youth, declares that young people of our County hold specific rights by virtue of their age, and stage of mental, and social development. These rights include the following for every young person:
-
A healthy mind, body, and spirit that enable them to maximize their potential. -
A healthy attachment to a parent, guardian, or caregiver and an ongoing relationship with a caring, and supportive adult. -
Essential needs get nutritious food, shelter, clothing, health care, and accessible transportation. -
A safe, and healthy environment including homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities. -
Access to a 21st century education that promotes success in life, in future careers, and a love of lifelong learning. -
Training in life skills that will prepare them to live independently, be self-sufficient, and contribute to their community.
-
Employment opportunities with protections from unfair labor practices. -
Freedom from mistreatment, abuse, and neglect. -
A voice in matters that affect them. -
A sense of hope for their future.
Four Pillars
The development of these four organizational categories were derived from the themes in the Children’s Bill of Rights. The four pillars, Health, Education, Wellbeing, and Engagement encompasses the demographics, programs, services, and initiatives aimed at ensuring the overall success of our children, youth, and families within the County.
