The purpose of this project was to create the Health and Well-Being Initiative for youth in child welfare in Sonoma County. Youth in child welfare have high rates of psychotropic drug use and mental and physical health diagnoses that are not always adequately addressed by current medical models. This initiative aims to improve mental and physical well-being by educating youth and their families in the areas of nutrition, physical fitness, and mindfulness. Education and training will be offered individually and in groups by the Health and Well-Being Social Worker.

An extensive literature review was completed and research was conducted to find a potential funder to meet the needs of this initiative. A grant through the Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program was determined to be the best potential funder and the elements of their proposal were included in this thesis. Sonoma County’s Family, Youth, and Children Services Division was assessed to be the potential host agency for the initiative. With over 500 youth involved in child welfare in Sonoma County, this initiative has the potential to impact hundreds of youth and families. Although actual submission of the grant application was not a requirement for this thesis project, the potential benefits of this project remain significant.