L.A. Foster Youth Shadow Day Drives Policy Progress in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles City Council held the inaugural Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day this week. The program connects former foster youth with local leaders to present policy recommendations based on firsthand experience living in the child welfare system. Based on specific feedback from delegates during the program, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger will introduce a motion to remove barriers for foster youth who have aged out of foster care in need of housing vouchers, increase their use of housing navigation services, and prioritize childcare for foster youth who are parents.

While in Congress, Mayor Bass founded the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, which has hosted Foster Youth Shadow Day for more than 100 former foster youth since 2012. This year, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth will be hosting their 11th annual congressional shadow day on June 13, 2024.

“The most recent census of our County’s unhoused population found that approximately 50% of youth leaving foster care will experience homelessness or housing instability, which is simply unacceptable,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The stories foster youth shared with me during Youth Shadow Day really drove that point home. My motion will work to bring them more stability. These young people deserve our continued support.”   

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Los Angeles City Council both issued proclamations in honor of National Foster Care Month and Shadow Day. Delegates were paired with city leaders who they shadowed during the afternoon. Delegates also participated in a policy roundtable with Mayor Bass, the Board of Supervisors and other city leaders where they presented policy proposals to improve crucial topics including housing, mental health, justice and resources for parents.