The California Mental Health Advocates for Children & Youth (CMHACY) conference is the most recognized and longest standing conference for children’s mental health in the state of California. Our annual conference is California’s premier event for all interested in learning about, advocating for and promoting policies, programs and practices that enhance the well-being of vulnerable children, youth and families. As we commence the planning of our 40th annual conference, we look back at how far we’ve come since 1980—growing from a small group of 40 county children’s coordinators to over 600 attendees in 2019.