Foster Youth Directory 8550 Balboa Boulevard | Suite 150 Northridge, CA 91325 Community Resource Services www.childguidance.org Follow us @CFGCtips Like us on Facebook 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.
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.
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.
Table of Contents Introduction 2 Independent Living Skills Programs 2 Support Services 3 Job Development Services 4 Multipurpose Resource Center 4 Transitional Housing Services 5 Revised 2023 | 1
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
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
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.
Individualized Transition Skills Program (ITSP)
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.
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.
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Support Services
California Youth Connection
Department of Children and Family Services
1933 S. Broadway, Floor 6
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. 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.
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.
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.
Empowers youth to build leadership skills and forge supportive relationships while advocating for child welfare reforms that have a direct impact in their lives.
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.
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.
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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
425 Shatto Place #105 Los Angeles, CA 90020 (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
Multipurpose Resource Centers
United Friends of the Children
1055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1550
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 580-1850
(213) 580-1845
http://www.unitedfriends.org
Target Population: Emancipating or emancipated foster youth.
Services Available: This organization provides many programs for emancipating foster youth. They partner with the Department of Children and Family Services to provide a transitional housing program. They offer a vocational program that provides employment preparation skills and job placement for entry-level positions for youth in the transitional living program. In addition, they provide college sponsorships to 25 emancipating foster youth annually who are pursuing higher education and have at least a 3.0 GPA. They also have case management services.
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.
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.
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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.
Freedom House - Dream Center
2301 Bellevue Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 273-7174
www.dreamcenter.org
Target Population: Emancipated foster youth or on probation from ages 18-24
Services Available: This is a faith-based program that provides a safe space for youth to transition into adulthood and learn to become self-sufficient. Residents may participate in the program for 1-2 years. The Freedom House provides housing, life coaches, job readiness training, life-skills training, financial management training, educational counseling, and professional counseling. They also offer programs for GED & high school completion and for community college credit. Although the program is faith-based, residents do not need to be of the same religion (Christian); however, residents must be open to attending a church service on a weekly basis.
Hathaway-Sycamores
Transitional Independent Living Program
12450 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 100 Pacoima, CA 91331
(818) 896-2255
www.hathaway-sycamores.org
Target Population: Youth ages 18-24 with a history of foster or probation placement after age 14, who are at risk of being homeless. Youth must be Medi-Cal eligible, have a mental health diagnosis (and want to utilize mental health services), and be able to live independently.
Services Provided: They provide furnished apartments for lower subsidized rent and support services, including individual case management, psychiatric consultation, medical support, skills training, and education/career advisement.
Hillsides Youth Moving On
456 East Orange Grove Boulevard, Suite 140 Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 765-6010
www.youthmovingon.org
Target Population: Former foster youth or probation youth (who are also ILP eligible) from ages 18-25.
Services Available: They offer two types of housing programs: transitional housing and a permanent housing program. In the transitional housing program, the youth create a two-year plan to reach permanency. They receive individual therapy, case management, independent life skills, and participate in community building activities. The permanent housing program allows youth to live in their own apartment for an additional two years while receiving support such as workforce development, health and wellness, and life skills. Youth participating in either program have access to scholarships, on-site tutoring, workforce development, and financial literacy training.
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.
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Penny Lane Transitional & Permanent Supportive Housing Programs
15305 Rayen Street
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 892-3423 x1272 (Program Manager)
http://www.pennylane.org/wpennylane/
Target Population: Emancipating youth, ages 18-24, who are either working or in school.
Services Available: The Transitional Housing Program is an intensive, short-term program that provides independent living skills training, job/career development, emotional, and academic support. The Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides youth with case management, transportation assistance, educational assistance, job placement, life skills training, mental health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, and medical and dental assistance.
United Friends of the Children Pathways Housing
1055 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1550
Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 580-1850
https://www.unitedfriends.org/contact/
Target Population: Former foster youth, ages 18-24, from Los Angeles County who are at imminent risk of homelessness or currently homeless.
Services Available: This organization provides many programs for emancipating foster youth. They partner with the Department of Children and Family Services to provide a transitional housing program. Their Pathways Housing program is an 18-36 monthprogram for emancipated foster youth at-risk of homelessness. They offer housing, independent living skills training, education and career guidance, counseling services, and apartment/housing resources and referrals throughout Los Angeles for youth exiting the program.
St. Anne’s Transitional Housing Program
151 N. Occidental Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 381-2931
http://stannes.org/transitional-housing-program/ Transitional Housing Program ext. 400
Target Population: Mothers of ages 18-23 who are aging out of foster care or probation and their children (2 children maximum) Pregnant women accepted.
Services Available: Each young woman lives in a onebedroom apartment on the campus and participates in comprehensive services. The program emphasizes increasing self-sufficiency through work and education so young women can obtain permanent housing and support their children.
Rancho San Antonio /Transitional Housing Program
21000 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 882-6400
http://ranchosanantonio.org/
Target Population: Emancipating male foster youth or former probation (ILP eligible) youth ages 18-23, who have no place to live or have no family support and who are motivated to invest in their future through employment or education An application and on-site interview is required as well as a $300 security deposit. Residents must commit to the 18-month program. Services Available: This transitional housing program provides fully furnished apartments for the young men. Youth are expected to work full or part-time in the local community and are encouraged to enroll in a vocational training program or community college. Program staffs live on-site and assist the youth with employment, school, and life skills.
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.
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