JPAC Fundays + Parent Advocacy Mentor (PAM) Program

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

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

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Many foster and systems-impacted youth with developmental disabilities face compounded barriers to accessing consistent, culturally responsive services and inclusive programs. Frequent placement changes and systemic challenges disrupt continuity of care, social development, and educational progress. Additionally, caregivers and foster parents often lack the training and resources needed to advocate effectively for these youth. Without specialized support, these young people are at higher risk of falling through service gaps, perpetuating cycles of instability and inequity.

This grant will support the expansion of the Parent Advocacy Mentor (PAM) Program and JPAC Fundays to address the unique needs of foster and systems-impacted youth with developmental disabilities. Foster youth often face frequent placement changes and systemic barriers that disrupt access to consistent, culturally responsive education, healthcare, and social services. The PAM Program provides foster parents and caregivers with specialized training, mentorship, and resources to effectively advocate for their children’s rights and needs within complex systems. This empowers caregivers to secure timely evaluations, therapies, and inclusive school placements, improving stability and outcomes for these youth.
JPAC Fundays complements this by offering a safe, structured, and welcoming Saturday program where foster and systems-impacted youth can participate in social, recreational, and therapeutic activities designed to build social skills, self-confidence, and peer connections. This consistent community space helps mitigate the social isolation and instability many foster youth experience.
Together, these programs create a comprehensive support system that promotes stability, empowerment, and inclusion—key factors in breaking cycles of trauma and inequity among foster and systems-impacted youth with developmental disabilities.

Our vision for success is a Los Angeles County where foster and systems-impacted youth with developmental disabilities have equitable access to culturally responsive services and supportive communities. We aim to expand the Parent Advocacy Mentor (PAM) Program and JPAC Fundays across all Special Needs Network offices, creating a sustainable model that empowers caregivers with advocacy skills and provides youth with consistent, inclusive recreational opportunities. Long-term, we plan to scale these programs countywide and develop partnerships with child welfare agencies to ensure integration into standard foster care supports. By doing so, we will reduce service gaps, improve stability and well-being for youth, and foster resilient families capable of navigating complex systems, ultimately breaking cycles of trauma and inequity.