Inspiring Them Today… Will Transform Their Tomorrow

JOB SHADOW DAY, MAY 21, 2008

Approximately 10,000 Los Angeles youth over the age of 14 are living in foster care under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency Court. Each year, 1,500 of them will age out of the system. Although the average age of financial independence in America is now 26 years old, we expect foster youth to attain financial and emotional independence by age 18.

Not surprisingly, many youth aging out of foster care are ill prepared for living independently. More than half of youth who age out of foster care are unemployed. Almost a third of them will become homeless, and one in five will be incarcerated within two years after leaving our charge.

Employment opportunities play a critical role in helping former foster youth achieve self-sufficiency. The Youth Aging Out Initiative (“YAOI”) is a partnership of Los Angeles area child welfare professionals and community organizations that have gathered together to help foster youth transitioning into young adulthood prepare to enter the job market.

Research shows that:

  • Youth leaving foster care are underemployed and earn significantly less than youth in the general population.
  • Fewer than half of transitioning youth had any earnings during a three year period approaching and immediately following their 18th birthday.
  • Former foster youth averaged less than $6000 annually -- which is substantially below the poverty level.
  • Youth aging out of foster care progress more slowly than other youth once they enter the labor market.
  • Youth who work prior to leaving care are more successful than their non-working peers.

The YAOI aims to improve these outcomes by addressing employment readiness, career exploration and workplace mentoring for youth in foster care and for those who have recently emancipated from care. During the Foster Care Awareness Campaign in May, the YAOI will sponsor a Foster Youth Job Shadow Day that will pair youth with a variety of local businesses. The goal of this pilot effort is to inspire and empower a small group of young adults to identify their career interests, talents, and strengths and to provide tools and resources that will contribute to their long-term success.

The Foster Youth Job Shadow Day will differ from traditional Job Fairs in several respects. It will introduce youth to a workplace where foster youth will have an opportunity to meet employees, observe daily work activities, and interact with workplace mentors. During the daylong event, youth will learn about career paths, preparation required for working in the particular field, and how to gain the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the job market.

Participants will be selected from among youth age 16 and older who are still in foster care and are contemplating work as well as from youth who have recently emancipated, but are struggling with choosing, obtaining, or sustaining employment.

Anticipated outcomes of the Foster Youth Job Shadow pilot program include the following:

  • Youth will gain a better understanding of the relationship between academics and job success.
  • Youth will be exposed to occupations they may not have considered.
  • Youth will connect with a variety of employment-related resources and training opportunities.

YAOI will also raise public and legislative awareness about the employment needs and challenges for foster and alumni youth through a media campaign and possible legislative hearing. For more information on YAOI contact Pat Salcido at 323-980-5720/ or Jody Green at 323-980-1552/.