Steps to Independent Living

If you are an ILP eligible pre-emancipated youth, this key planning document is your TICKET to ALL benefits and services offered by the Emancipation Services Independent Living Program. Make sure you get your TILP done!
If you are 14 or 15, the ESTEP program can help you develop the skills you need to successfully complete high school and plan for an awesome future. Check this program out at the Community Colleges in your area!
A user-friendly document, designed for youth by youth (form 5205B), that can help you plan for your future. You can also check out other planning resources like the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment.
If you are 16-20, you can take Independent Living Program classes at Community Colleges in your area. These 5-week classes are an intro to the skills you need to find a job, have a career, get an apartment, budget your money, deal with roommates, co-workers and bosses, etc. Learn how to make it!
If you are 16-21, at the Independent Living Skills Enhancement Programs, you can take job readiness classes to prepare for the work world. If you need job skills, this might be a good start!
You can receive cash rewards for reaching your goals. Get motivated and recognition!

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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.