Steps to Independent Living

There are all sorts of good places to go (and without even leaving your computer chair) to get some help.
What if I Have Problems with my Landlord?
Dealing with your landlord (problems with landlord? Click here) and roommate.
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.
Can I Get my Juvenile Records Sealed?
Yes.  Click here for answers to all your questions. Upon a showing of good cause, the court will order to seal all records, papers and exhibits in the person's case which are in the custody of the juvenile court, including the juvenile court record, minute orders, entries on dockets, and DCFS records. Thereafter, the proceedings in such cases shall be deemed never to have occurred. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 389 allows an individual at 18 years of age or older to petition the juvenile court to have his or her juvenile records permanently sealed.

L.A. County Seal
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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.