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1820 - '49er diarist William Lewis Manly born in Vermont [story]
William Lewis Manly


| Thursday, Jul 11, 2024
Barger Foster Youth
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, interacts with foster youth advocates during Foster Youth Shadow Day at the Hahn Hall of Administration on May 7, 2024. Photo credit: L.A. County/Diandra Jay.


The number of young people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County is steadily persisting, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors are tackling the problem head on.

The most recent 2024 Youth Count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found that 2,406 youth between the ages of 18 to 24 are homeless. The survey also found that about half of those leaving foster care go on to experience homelessness.

During this week’s Board meeting, the Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath that directs the County’s Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to implement several strategies that will increase access to housing vouchers for youth who are aging out of the County’s care.

Those directives include DCFS partnering with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) to increase the number of property owners who accept federally-funded housing vouchers that transition age youth use and conducting more outreach to youth so they’re aware of voucher availability.

“The County has made some important strides in preventing youth who are aging out of our child welfare system from falling into homelessness, but we need to maximize every single resource that’s available,” said Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley. “We need to simplify complicated application processes and increase outreach to property owners so we can offer an adequate supply of rental units that meets the need. It is our moral obligation to not let former foster youth fall into homelessness.”

The motion will also improve training for both DCFS and Probation Department staff on housing options for transition age youth, increase availability of mental health and intensive case management services, and mobilize resources to prioritize housing for parenting youth so none experience homelessness after exiting DCFS’ Independent Living Program.

The Board’s unanimous vote was acknowledged by Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass, who stated, “This motion is a direct result of our Shadow Day program in May when former foster youth connected directly with local leaders to present policy recommendations based on firsthand experience living in the child welfare system. We know that homelessness impacts people with experience in the foster care system at a disproportionate rate to their peers, which is why this work is so important. I want to thank Supervisor Barger and the Board of Supervisors for their leadership to continue to champion change for foster youth across Los Angeles. I look forward to our continued unified efforts to ensure that foster youth in both the City and the County have the resources they deserve to thrive.”

The motion also directs LACDA to assess how legal services can be financed and offered so that the County can proactively reach out to property owners who will not accept youth housing vouchers. A full copy of the motion and its directives is accessible here.

“We must use every tool available to ensure our young people exiting foster care have a place to call home,” said Horvath. “This motion positions Los Angeles County to better coordinate housing opportunities for our most vulnerable young people. It is our responsibility to prevent homelessness among the transition-aged youth who are counting on us to support them. We must continue listening to the experiences of young people to shape our policies and programs.”

Karen Bass

Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass poses with Los Angeles County Supervisors and foster youth advocates during Foster Youth Shadow Day.

Foster Care LA County

A heartwarming scene of a mother and her teenage son enjoying time together, sharing smiles and laughter in a cozy setting.

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LOS ANGELES COUNTY HEADLINES
Friday, Apr 4, 2025
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector reminds Santa Clarita Valley residents that the second installment of the 2024-25 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes delinquent if not paid by Thursday, April 10.
Thursday, Apr 3, 2025
April 30 will be the final day for submitting comments regarding the updating of Los Angeles County Floodplain Management.
Thursday, Apr 3, 2025
Among several important issues presented at its Tuesday, April 8 regular board meeting, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will hear recommendations on establishing a unified permitting authority for the Altadena One-Stop Recovery Permitting Center relating to properties impacted by the Eaton Fire.
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025
Los Angeles Health Services has released its 2024 Annual Report, showcasing a year of exemplary achievements in patient care, innovation, and community health.
Wednesday, Apr 2, 2025
The LA County Arts Internship Program will invest over $1.6 million to fund 228 university and community college internships, providing students with paid on-the-job experience in the arts and creative sector at over 170 nonprofit organizations starting this summer. Applications for interested students are open now.

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