Steps to Independent Living

Money for Tuition, Books, Transportation and Parking,  Tutoring and Scholarships.  Doesn't that make you want to go to school?!
If you have a need, you can get money for uniforms, professional and union dues, vocational and educational assessments, and job interview expenses. Connect with Job Training and Hiring Programs!
You can take Free Life Skills Classes, Financial Aid Workshops and get a Mentor.  What a Deal!
You may also be able to get reimbursed for Parenting and Nutrition Classes, Drug/Alcohol Treatment and other health expenses not covered by Medi-Cal. Stay Healthy!
Want to improve your independent living skills? Take advantage of this great offer!
Receive motivational incentive payments for High School and GED completion, job searches, attendance at non-court ordered counseling, including NA, CA, AA, Al-Anon, and other 12-Step meetings, and community based activities.  Get involved! (The Program is not funding this effective March 2004.)
Learning to drive is key for independent living. Don't miss out on this important skill. (The Program is not funding this effective March 2004.)
Cover some of your hidden graduation costs: class rings, photos, caps & gowns.
Check this out and get help with your car insurance for up to one full year. (Contact a Transition Coordinator to see if funds are available) 
Help get yourself to job searches, work or school.  Take a Ride!
For on and off-campus housing, your first apartment, room rentals, house shares, and more.
Want a living set-up with on-site support? Check this out!
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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.