Foster Youth Unit Resources

 

• DCFS Child Protection Hotline: (800) 540-4000. For DCFS County Social Worker information and/or assistance by the DCFS Duty Worker of the day, contact: (562) 497-3646

• DCFS Updates for youth, families and caregivers: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

• DCFS Foster Youth Rights Fact Sheet: As a foster youth, you have rights. If you have questions or you feel like your rights have been violated, contact your CA Ombudsman Office at: 1-877-846-1602 Youth Fact Sheet (pdf)

• DCFS Child Abuse Referrals: DCFS social workers will continue to complete in-person visits when responding to child abuse referrals to assess for child safety. Social workers will complete a pre-screening before starting the in-person visit and proceed accordingly for the protection of all engaged in the visit. 

• DCFS Monthly CSW Home Visit Plan: The Administration for Children and Families and the California Department of Social Services is permitting monthly social worker visits for children already receiving services from DCFS to be accomplished through videoconferencing. Based on the circumstances of the case, visits can be in person or through videoconferencing (e.g. Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp). If someone in your home is feeling ill or has flu-like symptoms, please contact your social worker. Social workers will complete a pre-screening by telephone or in-person before starting the in-person visit. 

• Dependency Courts:  Courts will open for the limited purpose of hearing or handing essential or emergency matters, this includes Detention Hearings, restraining orders, and emergencies concerning needs of children. Contact your attorney to confirm if you are required to attend your next court hearing and if you have any questions. Visit  www.lacourt.org for latest updates.

• DCFS Family Visitation Plan: The Juvenile Court issued a temporary order Temporarily Suspending Dependency Court Ordered InPerson Visitation. Effective immediately, all court ordered in-person visits between parents/legal guardians, children, siblings, and anyone else are temporarily suspended until April 16, 2020. As instructed in the Court Order, in-person court ordered family visits are to take place remotely by using videoconferencing (e.g. Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp) to promote and maintain family bonds.

Free phones and laptops

• iFoster and Boost Mobile Phones for Foster Youth: FREE Smartphone for foster youth ages 13-26. Unlimited Talk Text Data 

Free Laptops for Foster Youth: One Simple Wish

 

Tutoring

• In collaboration with LACOE, the Foster Youth Unit continues to offer private (online) tutoring for foster youth in our district.  Tutors are now providing academic support online.   Please utilize the link below to refer students for tutoring services.
  Tutoring