Steps to Independent Living

Make sure to get your Medi-Cal coverage extended once
you turn 18 so it covers you until you're 21. Get
reimbursed by the Youth Development Services for health expenses not covered by Medi-Cal. Check this out and stay healthy!
The Pasadena Alumni Support Center (PASC) and the Young & Healthy Program provide transportation and medical, dental and mental health care from a roster of practices that offer free services to transitioning youth in the Pasadena area. If you need medical, dental or mental health services not covered by Medi-Cal, contact PASC and ask for a referral to the Young & Healthy program.
Recipients of SSDI and SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration are also eligible to receive Youth Development Services benefits if they qualify as ILP eligible youth.
Can I See my Health Records?
Yes.  It is required that all court reports be sent to all youth ages 10 and over. The Health and Education Passport (HEP) Binder in its entirety (includes the binder and all contents) is to be given to you once you emancipate. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 16010 mandates that the Case Plan for every child in foster care includes a summary of the child's health and education information and that a copy of the summary be attached to all court reports.
Click here for additional organizations you can contact for help with your healthcare.

L.A. County Seal
Brought to you by the Los Angeles County
Youth Development Services Division and Independent Living Program (YDSD/ILP) L.A. COUNTY TRANSITION PARTNERSHIP

Thank you for visiting our Youth Development Program website.  Please continue to contact us with your comments and suggestions.  We need and welcome your participation to make this site a vibrant source of information for all youth transitioning from foster care in Los Angeles County.  If you have information to share on our site or experience a problem with the site (e.g. nonfunctioning link),  Please contact Jennifer Chuang via email at chuanj@dcfs.lacounty.gov

The Youth Development Program receives a set budget every year from state and federal government sources.  Resources are distributed according to need and not as an entitlement. Since the budget is limited, please note that the services and benefits described in this website are available to eligible transitioning youth 16 - up to their 21st birthday in Los Angeles County, on a needs-basis, until all funds are spent for the fiscal year (the fiscal year ends June 30th).  There are some services available for youth 14 - 15.  Some of the resources are listed for your information and ARE NOT to be considered an endorsement by Los Angeles County.