Better Days

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The foster care to prison pipeline exposes a troubling pattern where youth in foster care are disproportionately drawn into the criminal justice system, driven by trauma, inconsistent support, systemic bias, and institutional failures. This cycle, especially impacting Black and Indigenous children who face higher detention rates, perpetuates social inequalities, poverty, and disenfranchisement. Data shows foster youth are over 4x more likely to be detained, with 70% having trauma histories and low educational attainment. Many, like Jarrett Harper, experience instability and trauma, yet face systemic neglect leading to incarceration. Efforts to break the cycle include mentorship, stable housing, and mental health support, aiming to foster success and reduce racial disparities. Systemic reforms, trauma-informed care, cross-system collaboration, and targeted policies are vital to address these injustices.

The Better Days VR Trauma-Informed Workforce Development Training Program disrupts the foster care-to-prison pipeline by combining immersive virtual reality with trauma-sensitive education. It provides a safe, interactive environment for participants to learn and practice essential workforce and community engagement skills, guided by trauma-informed principles.
Through realistic VR simulations, users experience the emotional realities of foster youth, building empathy, cultural competency, and an understanding of trauma’s impact. This experiential training supports emotional regulation, conflict de-escalation, and crisis response—promoting compassionate, non-punitive approaches.
The program also improves employability by teaching practical, industry-relevant skills and addressing barriers faced by foster youth. Participants gain tools to recognize trauma responses and foster empowering, inclusive environments that reduce systemic bias.
Unlike traditional training, VR offers risk-free, repeatable learning scenarios that foster reflection and long-term behavioral change. Adaptable across sectors and communities, Better Days supports both individual growth and organizational culture shift—preventing crises, promoting early intervention, and creating safer pathways to adulthood for vulnerable youth.

Transforming LA County: Ending the Foster Care to Prison Pipeline
Better Days Work’s Immersive VR Trauma-Informed Workforce Development
Los Angeles faces a cycle where foster youth are at heightened risk of incarceration due to trauma and systemic gaps. Better Days Work proposes a VR-based training program to develop trauma-informed, empathetic, and skilled professionals across social services, education, law enforcement, and community sectors. This innovative approach aims to reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and foster systemic cultural change. 
With a $75K grant, the initiative will develop tailored VR content, train local stakeholders, pilot sessions, and expand across sectors within a year. The long-term goal is a resilient, trauma-aware workforce that transforms community support, reduces social costs, and positions LA as a national leader in trauma-informed technology.