The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion that aims to enhance the self-sufficiency of emancipating foster youth.

The board motion, authored by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich along with Supervisor Shelia Kuehl, directs further county agency collaboration under the leadership of the newly established Office of Child Protection, to improve integrated service delivery, enhance departmental goals to serve these youth, and coordinate with the Center for Strategic Public-Private Partnerships to identify additional opportunities.

“Upon emancipating from the system many foster youth find themselves unemployed, on public assistance, homeless, or incarcerated,” said Antonovich. “County departments cannot effectively serve a child in isolation. The goal of self-sufficiency must begin as soon as a child enters our system with a clear mission for the role they play in the life of that child.”

Los Angeles County presently serves approximately 2,400 transition-aged foster youth, nearly one third of the statewide foster youth population. Over the years, the Board of Supervisors has enacted a series of motions directing the Chief Executive Officer and County departments to address various concerns related to the needs of these youth.

“This initiative will demand accountability to provide better futures for these young people.” Antonovich added. “Through positive action, coordination and accountability, we can successfully serve our foster youth and help them transition to become self-sufficient and productive adult members of society.”