Antelope Valley Foster Youth Directory by Child and Family Guidance Center

Community Resource Services

Antelope Valley Foster Youth Directory 40005 10th Street West | Suite 106 Palmdale, CA 93551

This directory provides information about programs and services for youth and young adults who are emancipating from the foster care system. Most services that are available for foster youth are offered by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and other contracted agencies. Foster youth who are interested in accessing these support services should contact their DCFS worker directly.

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www.childguidance.org

The Child and Family Guidance Center is a LA County Department of Mental Health (DMH) contractor that provides Specialized Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) services to children, transition age youth, and adults utilizing evidence-based treatment interventions (EBPs) that are consistent with LAC/DMH Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). The Center also provides families with access to a comprehensive continuum of services depending on the needs of the family ranging from once a week; time limited mental services (PEI) to intensive in-home services that are delivered several times a week with 24-7 availability for crises. The Community Resource Services is a division dedicated to improving the quality of life for special needs children and their families by helping them to locate, access and effectively use essential community health and social services.

Table of Contents Introduction

Independent Living Skills Programs

Support Services

Job Development Services

Mental Health Services

Transitional Housing Services

Revised 2023 | 1

The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

Introduction Youth Development Services Division (YDSD) Independent Living Program Department of Children and Family Services 1933 S. Broadway, 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90007 (877) 694-5741 http://www.ilponline.org (213) 763-6600 The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) created the Independent Living Skills Program to assist youth who are emancipating from the foster care system. This program provides support services to present and former foster youth, ages 16-21. Any youth between the ages of 16 and 18 who is currently in foster care or has been in foster care as a dependent youth (DCFS) or ward of the court (Probation) is eligible. This includes all youth whose case was terminated after their 16th birthday, including youth who were adopted, returned home to guardians/parents, and those living with relatives. The following directory will outline all the services for which these youth are eligible. Most services that are available for foster youth are offered by the Department of Children and Family Services or other contracted agencies. Foster youth who are interested in accessing these support services should contact their DCFS worker directly. In addition, the Department of Children and Family Services has an Independent Living Program Coordinator assigned to each Region of Los Angeles County. All requests for services are usually initiated through the youth’s DCFS worker but are then sent to the Independent Living Program Regional Coordinator. The Regional Coordinator can be contacted at any time with questions regarding program services.

Independent Living Skills Programs Life Skills Program

Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP)

Target Population: Youth ages 16-18, ILP eligible. Services Available: • Support for obtaining high school diploma • Assistance with college preparation • Linkage to employment • Provide information about housing options

Target Population: Youth ages 16-20, ILP eligible. Services Available: This program offers in-home one-on-one teaching, up to 2 years of support, earn up to $300. ITSP was developed to enhance daily life skills and to promote SelfSufficiency of the TAY served. Program goals include High School graduation, linkage to employment and housing, pregnancy prevention, self-care and how to develop and maintain positive relationships. TAY may have an open DCFS/Probation case or a closed case to participate. For more information and/or to be referred, contact your Social Worker, Probation Officer or the ILP Transition Coordinator.

For more information and/or to be referred, contact your Social Worker, Probation Officer OR your Independent Living Program (ILP) Transition Coordinator. The Community College Foundation Human Development and Youth Services 3530 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 610 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 427-6910 http://www.communitycollege.org Email: hdysinfo@communitycollege.org Target Population: Emancipating foster youth. Services Available: The Department of Children and Family Services contracts with the Community College Foundation to offer classes for foster youth ages 16-21 on Independent Living.

Revised 2023 | 2 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

Support Services California Youth Connection Department of Children and Family Services 1933 S. Broadway, 6th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90007 (213) 763-3838 www.calyouthconn.org Target Population: Foster youth ages 14 to 24. Services Available: This is a monthly support group for current and former foster youth up to 24 years of age. Foster youth have an opportunity to meet young adults who were once in the Foster Care system. The meetings provide a support network and increase knowledge of emancipation services. Empowers youth to build leadership skills and forge supportive relationships while advocating for child welfare reforms that have a direct impact in their lives.

CASA of Los Angeles Antelope Valley Office 1040 W Avenue J, Room 1130 Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 723-2272 https://casala.org/ Target Population: Children and families impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Services Provided: CASA supports volunteers who help foster children in court and the community. A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a trained and supervised volunteer, appointed by a judge to advocate for a foster child. The CASA gathers information, writes reports, and makes recommendations to the judge in the child’s best interests. CASA volunteers advocate for what they believe to be in the child’s best interests and are responsible for: - Investigating and reporting the circumstances of the child to the court; - Facilitating the delivery of services ordered by the court for the child; - Monitoring compliance with other orders of the court; and - Advocating in court and the community for the best interests of the child. The foster child’s attorney is the person in charge to refer a child for CASA.

Foster Youth Info Line (877) 846-1602 Email: fosteryouthhelp@dss.ca.gov Target Population: Any youth in foster placement. Services Available: The Foster Youth Information Line provides the foster youth a place to call to discuss anything related to foster care. All calls are confidential. Lines are open between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. This is an Info Line that was established to provide children and youth in out-of-home care with an avenue to discuss various issues relating to placement and can help with referrals to linkage to other agencies.

Scholarship Program Department of Children and Family Services 3530 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 (626) 938-1726 Email: lewich@dcfs.lacounty.gov Target Population: Foster and Qualifying Probation Youth soon to graduate from high school. To apply, fill out the applications at the beginning of the calendar year. Services Available: Scholarships offered to high school graduates or those earning GED in order to further their educational or vocational goals.

Medi-Cal Assistance https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medical/eligibility/Pages/ (800) 541-5555 Medi-Cal eligibility has been extended to a foster youth’s 26th birthday. When the youth’s foster care status ends, the DCFS worker sends Medi-Cal eligibility information to the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and the case is assigned to an Eligibility Worker who contacts the youth by letter.

A Sense Of Home (424) 269-0646 https://asenseofhome.org Target Population: Foster youth. Services: A Sense Of Home (ASOH) provides furniture and home goods to foster youth. ASOH secures housing vouchers for former foster youth and once TAY youth receive the keys to their apartment, ASOH turns their space into functioning and inspired homes. ASOH connects TAY youth to additional services through Resource Network opportunities which include financial literacy training, educational scholarships, therapy, trauma informed healing, referrals for job placement, and job training. ASOH also helps foster youth that will be starting college whether they are moving into a dorm room or renting a room off-campus ASOH can provide them with what they need.

Revised 2023 | 3 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

United Friends of the Children 1055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1550 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 580-1850 https://www.unitedfriends.org Target Population: Emancipated foster youth or probation youth or both. Services: The Pathways program is an 18-36 months housing program for emancipated foster youth or probation youth ages 18-24. Services within Pathways include housing, individualized case management, educational guidance and development, advocacy and counseling services, independent living skills training, health education, on-site mental health services, and alumni support. The Scholars Program is an education program that provides foster youth with college counseling, workshops, college tours, social activities, tutoring, as well as emergency and enrichment grants. Students can enroll in the Scholars Program from 6th grade through 12th grade by referral. The program will run through the completion of their bachelor’s degree.

iFoster (855) 936-7837 https://www.ifoster.org Target Population: Foster youth and former foster youth between the ages of 13-26. Services: iFoster provides a library of resources geared toward education, employment, health, daily living, products and services. iFoster also offers programs like: The iFoster Jobs program connects transitional age foster youth with internships and employment placement. The TAY Americorps program trains transitional age foster youth to serve as peer navigators and mentors. The program helps transitional age foster youth build careers in public and health services. Foster youth can also become members through the iFoster portal to access technology like cell phones, laptops, vision services like free exams and glasses, braces, tutoring, and life coach (a mental health service). Foster youth can contact iFoster directly to state their specific need and iFoster will do their due diligence to connect them with resources that offer what they need.

Youth Development Services Division (YDSD) Department of Children and Family Services 3530 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90010 (877) 694-5741 http://www.ilponline.org Target Population: Emancipated foster youth ages 16-20. Services Available: This program provides services to current/former foster youth and probation youth. The drop-in center helps with Medi-Cal, college or vocational school assistance, job referrals, and on-site computer labs for the youth to utilize. For the Children - Royal Family Kids Camp 44514 20th Street W Lancaster, CA 93534-2715 https://www.forthechildren.org/about-us/camps (661) 609-2754 Camp Director: Rick and Donna Chisham Target population: Foster youth ages 7-11. Services provided: Provides a one-week residential camp a year (80 spots available). Families only pay a registration fee of $35. Camp is followed up with a club and mentoring program which takes place throughout the school year. After camp, during the school year, participating campers are matched 1-to-1 with a trained mentor from the RFK Camp team.

Family Urgent Response System (FURS) 744 P Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (833) 939-3877 Email: info@cal-furs.org https://cal-furs.org Target Population: Current or former foster youth. Services: Free 24/7/365 hotline for current or former foster youth and their caregivers to call and get immediate help for any issues. FURS also has a mobile response team of trained individuals that can come directly to the location of the caller to help solve problems and connect them to local services and support. Youth in need can call, chat, text, or email.

Revised 2023 | 4 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

Job Development Services Independent Living Program (ILP) Careers/Job Opportunities http://ilponline.org/careers/ Target Population: Current/former foster or probation youth (Ages 16-20). Must be ILP eligible. Can be a student in high school, college or vocational program. Services Available: This website provides career/job opportunities in various fields within the government and private sectors and can assist with housing, employment and education.

DCFS Personnel Recruitment Division (800) 970-5418 http://hr.lacounty.gov Target Population: Foster youth or emancipated foster youth 16 or older with high school diploma or GED. Services Available: Permanent, full-time employment. Go to the website and fill out the Job Interest Card, select “Youth Worker” or “Student Worker”. Contact: pinquiries@dcfs.lacounty.gov

Project Joy 5022 W. Avenue N #10232 Palmdale, CA 93551 (661) 402-1344 www.projectjoyusa.com info@projectjoyusa.com Target Population: Children, foster youth, and families. Services Provided: They provide a youth program with three components: After School Club: operated at Mariposa Community Home, students in grades 1-4 are assisted with homework help, academic skill building and enrichment activities like Lego Robotics. Youth Sports Camps: operated at various school sites and parks in the Antelope Valley for youth ages 6-14. Sports clinics offered based on seasons are basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, and baseball. Youth AI (Artificial Intelligence) Learning Program: education on the technical and ethical aspects of AI for youth ages 16-25 allowing them to explore various careers to see the likely impact of AI on their chosen career field. Youth earn a stipend during this program which is sponsored by Department of Mental Health.

Paving the Way Foundation 44818 Fern Avenue, Suite 105 Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 522-4134 https://pavingthewayfd.com/ Target Population: 18+ recently released from jail or walk-in from the community. Services Provided: They provide the following free services: 1) Classes: parenting, anger management, domestic violence. 2) Certified Training: OSHA 10, Hazmat, Forklift Training, Hazwoper, General Industry. 3) Linkage to Community Resources: food, health services, housing. 4) Commercial Painting, Food Handler, and Solar Panel Training.

Million Little – Creative Leadership Program McKinley Center 2231 E. Palmdale Boulevard # L Palmdale, CA 93550 frpalmdale@mckinleycc.org Target Population: Youth ages 16-25 Services Provided: They provide a 12-week strength-based program. Participants will build job-readiness skills, while exploring and pursuing possibilities for their future. The program also assists youth in developing skills needed to thrive in their professional lives, including resume and professional portfolio development.

You Run this Town Foundation 140 Linden Avenue, Suite 291 Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 269-0629 https://www.yrttf.org/ Target population: Youth ages 14-24 Services provided: Empowers youth with academic, career and life skills, enrichment programs, mentoring (work study, grants and scholarships). They will earn how to budget, manage finances, build a resume, prepare for job interviews, and learn from industry professionals.

Revised 2023 | 5 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

Lost Angels Children’s Project Industrial Arts Youth Center 44528 Beech Avenue Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 579-6052 https://lancasterconnect.com/lost-angels-childrens-projectindustrial-arts-youth-center/ Email: info@lostangelscp.org Target Population: Foster youth ages 18-24 Services Provided: Career support with paid training to help youth pursue their educational and career goals in the areas of welding, mechanics, painting, and composites work program opportunities.

Mental Health Services Children’s Bureau www.all4kids.org Target population: Families with children under 18 years old. Accepts Medi-Cal. Services provided: Foster care, adoption and related services, and behavioral health services. Two locations:

Palmdale Family Resource Center 525 West Avenue, Suite P-4 Palmdale, CA 93551 (661) 272-9996

The Children’s Center of the Antelope Valley (CCAV) 45111 Fern Avenue Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 949-1206 https://www.ccav.org/ Target population: Children and youth (ages 16-25), formerly incarcerated adults and families, domestic violence survivors, and caregivers raising the children of kinship. Accepts Medi-Cal. Services provided: Individual therapy, group counseling, high-risk intervention, suicide prevention, and community resource linkages.

Ohana Center 422 Lansford Street Lancaster, CA 93535 ohanacenterav@gmail.com Target Population: Young adults Services Provided: They provide support groups for effective communication/journaling, applying I statements, virtual wellness workshops, feminine wellness, and mindfulness/yoga. The Center also provides a Teach program, which talks about race and disability.

Sunrise Center 921 West Avenue J, Suite C Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 949-0131

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services 520 West Palmdale Boulevard, Suite # H Palmdale, CA 93551 (661) 272-4733 https://www.oyhfs.org/ Target population: Foster children and youth (ages 1-25). Accepts Medi-Cal. Services provided: OYHFS provides all levels of care for children in and at-risk of foster care including: 1) Housing and robust Wraparound program, educational, and career support for former foster youth as they pursue their educational and career goals. Request Housing 2) Mental Health Counseling to support emotional wellness. They use highly individualized trauma-informed, and evidence-based treatment models. Request Counseling 3) Foster Care provides loving, dedicated temporary and permanent homes for infants to young adults. Learn About Fostering Residential care programs provide care, supervision, counseling, educational and career resources, mentors, and after-school activities.

Revised 2023 | 6 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.

Transitional Housing Services Department of Children and Family Services Independent Living Program (ILP) 3530 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 351-0190 (General Inquiries) (818) 904-8355 (Van Nuys Office) (818) 717-4010 (Chatsworth Office) www.ilponline.org Target Population: Current and former foster youth between the ages of 16-24. Services Available: The ILP helps with housing, life skills training, employment, and education to help youth successfully emancipate from the foster care system.

Valley Oasis Spa 1 Permanent and Temporary Housing 310 East Palmdale Boulevard, Suite A Palmdale, CA 93550 (661) 239-9300 Ext. 548 Contact: Brianna Wilson, Tay Program Director bwilson@avdvc.org Target population: Homeless youth ages 18-24 Services provided: Youth that may be facing homelessness are provided with housing support and opportunity to obtain referrals for housing within Los Angeles County. Youth are welcome to walk in, or call.

Palmdale Dream Center 38518 5th Street East Palmdale, CA 93550 (661) 441-4771 Email: Housing@act4avyouth.org Target Population: Homeless youth 18-25 Services provided: Provides affordable, stable, transitional housing for young adults, while they attend school, receive job training, secure sustainable employment, or are learning and practicing independent living skills.

Volunteers of America Youth Services 154 East Avenue I Lancaster, CA 93535 (661) 952-7095 https://voala.org/ Target population: Homeless youth ages 18-25 Services provided: Provides housing and supportive services for youth which include education services, mental health services, job development, and life skills workshops.

Hope Place (SOH ) Antelope Valley a Youth Development Organization 701 West Avenue K, Unit 106 Lancaster, CA 93534 (661) 418-0803 www.thesoh.org Target Population: Youth ages 16-25 Services Provided: Free services. Youth are encouraged to utilize Drop-in Center and Study Hall Monday-Friday from 12pm-5pm and have access to computers, WI-FI, printing/scanning and homework help, where there is a teacher on site to provide support.

Penny Lane Centers Transition Aged Youth Drop-in Center 43536, 43520 Division Street Lancaster, CA 93535 (661) 266-4783 https://www.pennylane.org/ Target population: Youth ages 16-25 Services provided: Free services. On-site offerings for youth include laundry, showers, computers with internet access, printing, hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing and weekly bus passes. Individualized resources include: shelter/housing linkage, mental health referral, substance abuse education/referrals. Linkage to court approved classes, employment support, linkage to Social Security Income support with obtaining California identification card, birth certificate support, GED support, LGBTQ Support, HIV testing, and community resource linkage.

Revised 2023 | 7 The agencies on this document are listed for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the quality of services is intended by Community Resource Services of the Child and Family Guidance Center.