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Ways to Support Youth in Foster Care in LA County

You do not have to foster to make a difference for kids in care. These are the Los Angeles County organizations I confirmed were active as of October 2026, grouped by mentoring, advocating, and other ways to give time, skills, or resources, with who each one serves, what volunteers do, and how to reach them.

October 14, 2026

There are dozens of ways to support children and youth in foster care in Los Angeles County, and not all of them require a multi-year commitment. This guide lists organizations that were confirmed as operating in October 2026, grouped by the kind of help they need: mentoring, advocating, and other ways to give time, skills, or resources.

Each listing includes who the organization serves, what volunteers do, the main requirements, and how to reach them. Most mentoring and advocacy roles require a background check (usually Live Scan fingerprinting) and training before you are matched with a young person.

Mentoring

Mentors offer a consistent adult relationship: outings, school and career support, life skills, and someone to call. Programs range from one-to-one matches to group models where several adults share the role.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles

One-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6 to 16½ across LA County, including (but not limited to) youth in foster care. Mentors must be 18 or older and spend about 3 to 5 hours, twice a month. Screening includes an interview and full background check, and matching can take a few months.

bbbsla.org/volunteer · info@bbbsla.org · 213-213-2400 · 3333 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 103, Los Angeles 90010

Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters

Community, school, and workplace mentoring for youth ages 7 to 18, open to volunteers of all faiths. It also supplies one-to-one mentors for high school foster youth in the UCLA Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy. Mentors commit to one year at 4 to 8 hours a month after an interview, background check, and training. Adults 21 and older can also join the Junior Partners group volunteer program.

catholicbigbrothers.org/volunteer · rdelgadillo@catholicbigbrothers.org · 213-251-9800 · 1530 James M. Wood Blvd, Los Angeles 90015

Peace4Kids (Watts and South LA)

Saturday programs for foster youth ages 4 to 19, plus a THRIVE program for ages 16 to 26. Volunteers become consistent adults in the youths' lives through creative, wellness, and life skills activities. Steps include an application, Live Scan, a half-day logistics training, and two online evenings of foundational training. Virtual info sessions are held regularly.

peace4kids.org/volunteer_signup · contact form at peace4kids.org/contact_us · 323-569-2034 · 1339 E 120th St, Los Angeles 90059

Kidsave Weekend Miracles Los Angeles

Hosts and mentors build a one-year relationship with an older child in foster care (ages 9 to 17) who is not currently on an adoption path. Hosts must be 25 or older and complete 12 hours of trauma training, program training, CPR and First Aid, and a DCFS in-home assessment, with at least 2 days a month together. Non-hosting volunteers can help at monthly events, fundraisers, and committees.

kidsave.org/weekend-miracles-los-angeles · weekendmiracles@kidsave.org · 310-642-7283 · 200 Corporate Pointe, Suite 325, Culver City 90230

Youth Mentoring Connection (South LA)

Group and community mentoring for youth ages 10 to 24, including many from the SEED School, a residential school for foster youth. Programs include community mentoring and Athlete's Journey, which pairs mentoring with fitness. Mentors complete an application, interview, trauma-informed training, and background check, and give at least 4 to 6 hours a month.

youthmentoring.org/mentor · ymc@youthmentoring.org · 323-648-8548 · Urban Oasis Youth Center, Vermont Ave near Manchester

Kids In The Spotlight (Van Nuys)

Foster and opportunity youth ages 12 to 24 write, cast, and star in their own short films. Entertainment industry professionals mentor them through the process, and volunteers can also join production crews, workshops, and events.

kitsinc.org/our-village · amber@kitsinc.org (volunteer coordinator) · 818-945-2009 · 14200 Aetna St, Van Nuys 91401

Stepping Forward LA

Co-mentors support young adults ages 14 to 25 who are aging out of or have left foster care, often alongside the organization's paid internship program. Co-mentors help with goals, resumes, and mock interviews and stay in regular contact.

steppingforwardla.org/co-mentors · contact form on site · 310-270-3466 · 1270 S Preuss Rd, Los Angeles 90035

Fostering Youth Independence (Santa Clarita)

Volunteer "Allies" are matched one-to-one with a foster youth ages 16 to 25 who is working toward college or training. Allies keep weekly contact, meet monthly, and attend about 3 events a year. Requirements include Live Scan, a car with insurance, Ally training, and a one-year commitment of 8 to 10 hours a month.

fyifosteryouth.org/volunteer · contact form on site · 661-360-1500 · Serves the Santa Clarita Valley

United Friends of the Children

Supports current and former foster youth from 6th grade through college with academic and housing programs. Volunteers help with academic support, events, and college dorm kits after an orientation, interview, and fingerprinting.

unitedfriends.org/get-involved · info@unitedfriends.org · 213-580-1850 · 1055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1550, Los Angeles 90017

Advocating

Advocates speak up for a child's needs in court, at school, or in public policy. Some roles are open to anyone after training, while others are designed for attorneys or for people with lived foster care experience.

CASA of Los Angeles (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

A judge appoints a trained volunteer to one child or sibling group in dependency court. The CASA visits the child monthly, gathers information from schools, caregivers, and providers, and reports to the court. Volunteers must be 21 or older, complete 35 hours of pre-service training and a full background check, and commit to at least 2 years at about 15 hours a month, with some weekday availability. No legal background is needed. Approved Resource Families and anyone pursuing an adoption through LA County are not eligible while those are active. The first step is a free info session, offered virtually and in person.

casala.org/volunteer · volunteer@casala.org · 323-859-2888 · 201 Centre Plaza Dr, Suite 1100, Monterey Park 91754 (Lancaster office: 661-723-2272)

Children's Law Center of California: Educational Rights Holders

When a foster youth's parents cannot make school decisions and no relative can step in, the court can appoint a trained volunteer as the youth's Educational Rights Holder. That person makes decisions about enrollment, special education, and school services. Contact the program coordinator for training and eligibility details.

clccal.org/get-involved/volunteer · clclaeducation@clcla.org · 323-980-1700 · 101 Centre Plaza Dr, Monterey Park 91754

Alliance for Children's Rights

Provides free legal services for children in foster care and their caregivers. Volunteer attorneys take supervised pro bono cases such as adoption finalizations (about 10 to 15 hours), guardianships, education advocacy, and benefits hearings, with MCLE-credited training. Non-attorneys can serve as Client Intake Volunteers, about 8 or more weekday hours a week for one term.

allianceforchildrensrights.org · contact form on site · 213-368-6010 · 4525 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 150, Los Angeles 90010

Public Counsel

Its Adoptions Project and children's programs handle adoptions, guardianships, and legal help for youth who have left foster care. Attorneys, retired attorneys (through the Encore Program), law students, paralegals, and interpreters can volunteer through the general interest form.

publiccounsel.org/join-us/volunteer · 213-385-2977 · 610 S Ardmore Ave, Los Angeles 90005

Learning Rights Law Center

Helps families secure special education and school services. Volunteers include attorneys, education advocates, teachers, interpreters, and retirees, who assist with client intake, translation, and events.

learningrights.org/volunteer · volunteer@learningrights.org · 213-489-4030 · 1625 W Olympic Blvd, Suite 500, Los Angeles 90015

California Youth Connection

A statewide, youth-led organization where current and former foster youth ages 14 to 24 shape child welfare policy. Adult Volunteer Supporters (21 and older, or 25 and older with lived experience) coach chapter members, write letters for bills, and chaperone conference travel. Volunteers complete an application, background check, interview, and annual training. Ask which LA-area chapter is active.

calyouthconn.org/get-involved/volunteer · info@calyouthconn.org · 510-708-4922

John Burton Advocates for Youth

A statewide policy organization working on extended foster care, housing, college access, and CalFresh for foster youth. Anyone can join its newsletter, attend free webinars, and send support letters for current bills using its templates.

jbay.org · info@jbay.org · 415-348-0011

National Foster Youth Institute, Los Angeles Chapter

Foster youth ages 18 to 30 lead local policy campaigns in LA County through biweekly chapter meetings. Other adults can support campaigns and events through the volunteer form.

nfyi.org/local/la · jose.canizal@nfyi.org · 213-221-1176 ext. 105

LA County Commission for Children and Families

Advises the Board of Supervisors on child welfare policy and holds public meetings where community members can give public comment. Contact the commission to confirm the current meeting schedule.

ccf.lacounty.gov · ccfcommission@bos.lacounty.gov · 213-974-1558

Other Ways to Help

Not everyone can commit to a weekly relationship. These options let individuals, families, and company teams help through caregiving, donations, tutoring, career support, or one-time service.

Becoming a Resource Family (Foster, Adopt, or Respite)

LA County DCFS Resource Family Approval

LA County residents 18 and older can apply to foster, foster-adopt, or care for a relative's child. There is no minimum income and the process is free apart from medical screenings. Steps include Live Scan, a home assessment, 12 hours of pre-approval training, and 8 hours of pre-placement training. Start by attending a free orientation or applying online. An upcoming orientation focused on fostering or adopting siblings and teens is scheduled for November 19, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at The California Endowment Center, 1000 N. Alameda St, Los Angeles (RSVP required).

dcfs.lacounty.gov/caregivers/become-a-foster-parent · RecruO@dcfs.lacounty.gov · 888-811-1121 (Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) · Apply at family.binti.com/users/signup/la-rfa

All For Kids (formerly Children's Bureau)

A foster family agency offering foster care and foster-adopt approval. Virtual orientations run on the third Thursday of each month, in English from 4 to 5 p.m. and in Spanish from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m.

allforkids.org/program/foster-care-adoption · RFRecruitment@allforkids.org · 800-730-3933 · 1910 Magnolia Ave, Los Angeles 90007

Allies for Every Child

A foster family agency that approves resource families through orientation, training, and a home study. Start with the information form on its site.

alliesforeverychild.org/become-a-foster-parent

Penny Lane Centers (North Hills)

Offers foster family approval as well as volunteer roles at events like its back-to-school backpack giveaway and holiday toy drive. Volunteers must be 18 or older with a clean driving record and fingerprint clearance.

pennylane.org · info@pennylane.org · 818-892-3423

Donations, Drives, and Group Service

A Sense of Home (Hawthorne)

Furnishes the first homes of young adults who have aged out of foster care. Teams of 12 to 20 can join a 90-minute Home Creation, where volunteers set up an entire apartment. Individuals can also take warehouse shifts, build essential kits at home, or donate furniture by appointment.

asenseofhome.org/volunteer · volunteer@asenseofhome.org · home@asenseofhome.org

Baby2Baby (Los Angeles)

Provides diapers, clothing, and essentials to children in poverty, including children in foster care. Offers weekday 2-hour volunteer sessions (families with kids 7 and up are welcome), company team sessions for 20 to 200 people, and seasonal giving programs like Family2Family in November and December.

baby2baby.org/volunteer-opportunities · volunteer@baby2baby.org · 323-933-2229 · 5830 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles 90016

Foster Love (formerly Together We Rise)

Runs team-building service projects such as assembling duffle bags, birthday boxes, and bikes for youth in foster care, plus virtual projects for remote teams. Its annual Socktober drive collects new socks every October.

fosterlove.com · info@fosterlove.com · 714-784-6760 · Based in Brea (Orange County)

Covenant House California (Hollywood)

Serves youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing homelessness, many of whom were in foster care. Volunteers lead one-time workshops (art, cooking, budgeting, fitness), tutor, host meals, run donation drives, and celebrate birthdays. Corporate and faith groups are welcome.

covenanthousecalifornia.org/volunteer · volunteer@covenanthousecalifornia.org · 323-461-3131 · 1325 N. Western Ave, Los Angeles

Tutoring and Education

School on Wheels

Volunteer tutors support students in grades K through 8 who are experiencing homelessness, in person or online. Tutors must be 18 or older, commit to at least 1 hour a week for one year, and complete Live Scan and training.

schoolonwheels.org/apply-to-be-a-volunteer · volunteers@schoolonwheels.org · 805-641-1678

LACOE Foster Youth Services Tutoring (for caregivers)

Free in-home tutoring of up to 21 hours for foster youth ages 5 to 21 with an open DCFS case. This is a referral service for caregivers, not a volunteer role. The 2026-27 referral window opened August 17, 2026.

lacoe.edu foster youth tutoring · FYS_Tutoring@lacoe.edu · 562-922-6111

Cal State LA Guardian Scholars

Supports college students who were in foster care. Community members and organizations can donate or partner with the program.

calstatela.edu/guardianscholars · 323-343-3000

Jobs and Career Support

iFoster

Runs a jobs program with training, paid internships (including health care placements at clinics across LA County), and job placement for transition-age youth. Employers interested in hiring can contact the organization directly.

ifoster.org · 530-550-8001 (call or text) · Dream Factory, 1320 S Boyle Ave, Los Angeles 90023

Stepping Forward LA Internships

Paid virtual internships for current and former foster youth, about 10 hours a week for 10 weeks. Donors can sponsor an intern.

steppingforwardla.org/interns · 310-270-3466

The RightWay Foundation (Leimert Park area)

Provides job readiness, placement, housing, and mental health services for foster and justice-involved youth ages 18 to 26. Community members can donate or reach out about partnership opportunities.

therightwayfoundation.org · info@therightwayfoundation.org · 323-903-5021 · 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 195, Los Angeles 90008

FosterMore Foster Care Friendly Workplace Pledge

Employers can pledge to support employees who foster, with policies like flexible schedules and leave.

fostermore.org/foster-friendly-workplace-pledge · info@fostermore.org

Finding More Opportunities

L.A. Works

A searchable directory of volunteer opportunities across LA, including custom corporate team projects, family volunteering, and a 55+ program.

laworks.com

211 LA

Free, 24/7 multilingual referrals to services across LA County, including foster parent recruitment and family support programs.

211la.org · Dial 2-1-1 or 800-339-6993

Support Lines for Current Caregivers

  • DCFS Caregiver Warmline: 877-323-7165 or warmline@dcfs.lacounty.gov (weekdays 1 to 11 p.m., weekends 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

  • Family Urgent Response System (FURS), for caregivers and current or former foster youth up to age 21: call or text 833-939-3877, 24/7

  • Foster Care Hotline (payments and rates): 800-697-4444

  • Post Adoption Support: 800-735-4984 or LACOPAS@dcfs.lacounty.gov

Before You Reach Out

Every organization above had a live website and current activity (2025 or 2026 events, posts, or volunteer listings) as of October 14, 2026. Programs, contacts, and requirements change, so confirm details with the organization before committing.

A few programs were left out or need a call first. Extraordinary Families (UP4Youth mentoring for ages 16 to 26) posted a mentor listing in January 2026, but its site shows only older orientation dates and it may now operate under Allies for Every Child; call 213-365-2900 to confirm. First Place for Youth is operating but has paused volunteer opportunities. Foster Care Counts and Kinship in Action had no confirmed 2025 or 2026 activity.

Sources

Related Topics

foster care
LA County
volunteer
mentoring
CASA
Ways to Support Youth in Foster Care in LA County | Counted Doors