Understanding the Needs of Transition Age Youth Navigating the Foster Care and Housing Systems in Los Angeles County

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hunter, Sarah B.

Contributor:

Garvey, Rick

Tucker, Joan S.

Ward, Jason M.

Language:

English

Place of Publication:

RAND Corporation 2024

Summary:

Note: This report was updated in October 2024 to correct data on page 17 and in Table B.6. Although substantial investments have been made to address homelessness in Los Angeles County, the number of people experiencing homelessness has continued to grow over the past decade. Transition age youth, ages 18 to 25 years old, represent an important population of focus because resolving homelessness at an early age may prevent chronic homelessness and the consequences of living unsheltered, such as earlier mortality and increased morbidity. This report presents data from a survey of nearly 400 transition age youth experiencing housing instability in Los Angeles County, with an emphasis on youth with foster care (FC) involvement. The FC system puts an individual at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. More than a decade ago, California invested in additional supports for youth in the FC system up to the age of 21; however, little is known about how youth experiencing housing instability in Los Angeles County interface with such programs. This report should be of interest to entities serving transition age youth experiencing homelessness and those involved with the FC system, including government, social service and health care organizations, educators, employers, practitioners, advocacy groups, researchers, and others interested in addressing the homelessness crisis.