Steps to Independent Living

Berisha Black: Emancipation Ombudsman

L.A. County Youth Development Services Ombudsman


Hi, I'm Berisha Black, the LA County Youth Development Ombudsman (your personal troubleshooter!). I am very excited to work with you and make sure you get all of the services you need and are entitled to. I am very passionate about this, having received Emancipation Services myself. Like many of you, I grew up in the system. I was placed in my first of 8 foster care placements when I was 3 years old, and spent the next 16 years of my life in foster care, until my case was closed at age 19.

I understand it's not easy; you don't feel like you have control over your life and you lack information about the system as a whole - you don't know what's available or who to talk to (your Social Worker, CASA worker, attorney, etc.). It's very confusing.

That's why me being in this position, with that understanding, can help you. I want to help you be a better advocate for yourself and be empowered to get what you need from the system.

This quote really captures my passion about what I hope to do for you:

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own."
- Benjamin Israel

Please call me if:
  • You have any questions about what services you're eligible for and how to get them
  • You run into any problems getting what you need
  • You have general concerns about the Emancipation Services/Independent Living Program
  • You're overwhelmed and no one understands you

That's what I'm here for....just call.

My phone number is:
(626)229-3829 (youth can call collect)
And my e-mail address is BlackBB@dcfs.lacounty.gov


This article was last updated on:9/11/03


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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.