COVID-19 has affected all of our communities but has especially affected our most vulnerable children. Families In Schools has compiled a list of resources, including webinars, support services such as health care and housing, and supplemental educational resources to help foster youth, their caregivers, and mentors navigate distance learning, COVID-19, career and college preparation, and much more.
Education (K-12)
- Free family access (until December 31, 2020) to K-8 math learning resources. Sign up here.
- Free homework help and online tutoring provided by the Los Angeles Public Library and Tutor.com. For more info, click here.
- Find back-to-school resources for foster youth including tutoring and homework guidance by navigating iFoster’s free portal. Sign up here.
- Teach Your Monster to Read is a free online learning game that supports young children in their reading journey. Register here.
- Free digital library provided by the Los Angeles Public Library. If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up using your mobile phone number. *Phone numbers are used to verify that students and families live in the library’s service area and to receive a digital card.
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Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program Supports the educational success of youth in foster care or on probation in Los Angeles County. For more information visit their site or call (562) 922-6161.
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Foster Youth Achievement Program is available for all LAUSD students living in foster care. To learn more about the Foster Youth Achievement Program Counselor(s) at your student’s school, call (213) 241- 3552.
Education (High School - College)
- Californa State University provides a list of resources including campus support, the application process of applying to a CSU as a foster youth, financial aid, and more. Explore here.
- College support programs and financial aid resources for foster youth provided by the California Department of Social Services.
- All 116 California Community Colleges have a Foster Youth Liaison on their campus along with programs and support services specific to foster youth entering college. For more information and a directory of college liaisons, click here.
- Join the United Friends of the Children’s Scholars Program which provides education support such as college counseling, tutoring, financial aid support, career development, and more. For more info and to apply, click here.
- For a list of scholarships, visit our College & Career Resources page.
- Financial Aid Guide for California Foster Youth provided by John Burton Advocates for Youth and California College Pathways.
- California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth.
- LA College Promise, provided by Los Angeles Trade-Tech College (LATTC), supports first-time college students transitioning from high school to college with free tuition for two years. Learn more here.
Support Services
- Free Health Care until age 26 for foster youth, provided by The Affordable Care Act. You can apply at any time of the year. Click here for more information.
- List of health resources for foster youth provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
- CalFresh FAQs for non-minor dependents (participating in extended foster care). More info here.
- Youth on the Move Program offers free metro passes for transition-age youth between the ages of 18 and 21. For more information, click here.
- Foster Youth in LA County can follow the following Facebook page to stay up to date on resources, events, and information.
- Hire LA’s Youth offers virtual and in-person jobs for youth between the ages of 14-24 and living in the city of Los Angeles. The opportunity includes personal development, interview practice, financial management, and career development. Learn more here.
- Find your local YouthSource Center to get support in work readiness, career exploration, computer training, college prep, counseling, and more. Click here for locations.
Housing
- First Place for Youth provides personalized education and employment support along with housing for current and former foster youth, probation youth, and homeless youth, ages 18 – 24 living in the following counties: Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, Santa Clara County, and Solano County.
- Pathways Housing provided by United Friends of the Children is an 18-36 month program for youth at risk of homelessness. For more info and eligibility, click here.
- Housing programs for current or former foster youth between the ages of 18-25. Learn more here.
- WE LIFT LA provides housing opportunities for transitional-aged youth. Learn more here.
- Transitional Housing Placement and Foster Care program for youth 18 to 21 in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego. Click here for more information.
- Transitional Living Program for youth ages 18-24, provided by Youth Emerging Stronger. Youth are provided with support services such as Education & Career Development, Mental Health Therapy, Life Skills Training, and more. Learn about the program here or call 323-240-2253 for more information or to self-refer.
Mentorship
- Mentor program provided by the Alliance for Children’s Rights for youth between the ages of 18-22 who have been in foster care in the city of Los Angeles. To fill out an application and find a mentor, contact v.daverso@kids-allince.org or call 213.368.6010.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles provides mentoring services for youth between the ages of 6-18 years old. Learn more here or contact Jessica.Suarez@bbbsla.org or call 213-532-8141.
For Foster Parents, Families, and Caregivers
- Foster Youth Achievement Program is available for all LAUSD students living in foster care. To learn more about the Foster Youth Achievement Program Counselor(s) at your student’s school, call (213) 241- 3552.
- Caring for Another Person’s Child is a 62-page guide for non-parent caregivers in LA County. Learn more about types of caregivers, foster care, and adoption. Read here.
- FOCUS on Foster Families provides videos and resources for caregivers, ranging from mental health to legal experts and experiences from other foster families. Explore here. Available in English and Spanish.
- iFoster provides support services for transition-age foster youth, caregivers, and agencies working with youth and families. Become a member and gain access to free programs, services, and opportunities. Learn more here.
Mental Health Services
- NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a 24-hour helpline: 800-950-6264.
- Active Minds has created a list of self-care resources for young adults including free wellness classes, a free meditation app, and more.
Crisis Hotlines
- NAMI, The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a 24-hour helpline: 800-950-6264.
- Shelter Hotline: 1-800-548-6047
- California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200
- Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Connect a Crisis Counselor 24/7 at Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741
- County Health Department: 800-339-6993 or 211 (24 hours)
- LA Free Clinic/Teen Clinic: 323-337-1775
- National Dometic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- 24-hour information, referrals, and assistance to any youth in crisis: 1-800-999-9999