Foster a Teen on Probation
Los Angeles County Probation Child Welfare works with nearly 1,000 teenagers whose actions, often born from desperation, have landed them in custody.
After extensive therapy and the support of a caring team, many of these young people are now ready to return home, but the homes they grew up in are often unsuitable or unavailable for them to return.
Probation is looking for individuals and families to open their hearts and homes to become foster parents or lifelong connections to a teenager in the greater Los Angeles area. Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe that good kids sometimes make bad choices? If so, then we’re looking for you. Talk to our team. Get to know our kids and find out if fostering is right for you.
The teens in LA County’s Forever Friend program most often reside in one of the County’s residential programs because their home is not a suitable environment. As the teens get closer to adulthood, it’s important that they have positive influences and role models to help them navigate life. They need someone in their corner, rooting for them and helping them to dust themselves off when things don’t go the way they planned.
The commitment is whatever you can give. To qualify, you must attend a one-day training and undergo a quick live-scan (background check). You will then be introduced to a teen in an informal, casual environment, and if there is a connection, a visitation schedule will be set up. The on-site visits can include enjoying a meal together or playing board or card games and gradually move on to taking her or him for outings in the community and getting to know one another. Once the connection is established, you may possibly be the life-long connection that will change their life. By simply answering their text messages, returning their calls, spending holidays with them, or sending a birthday card, you are showing them you care, and in some cases, you may be the only family they have.