Stronger Together: Uplifting Foster Care

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Antelope Valley

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

In Los Angeles County—home to over 30,000 foster youth— 40- 50% of foster families stop fostering within the first year due to burnout, lack of support, and isolation. This leads to repeated placements for children; those with 3+ moves are significantly more likely to struggle with depression, behavioral issues, and school instability. According to exit surveys, the #1 reason that foster families quit is due to "lack of support" and "lack of training". Locally, the shortage of stable foster homes is reaching crisis levels. We’ve seen firsthand how consistent support changes everything: one local foster mom told us, “I was ready to give up—until I found your support group.” Addressing this now means we can stabilize placements, support families, and give kids a real chance to heal. Without immediate, community-based solutions, children in LA County will continue to face the trauma of instability. Now is the time to act—to keep foster families supported and kids rooted in care that lasts

This grant will support Foster Friends’ Foster Family Stability Initiative, a comprehensive, community-rooted program designed to reduce caregiver burnout and prevent placement disruptions in northern Los Angeles County—where the need is urgent and resources are scarce. What makes our approach unique is its hyperlocal, relationship-driven model that combines practical aid with emotional and peer-based support. Designed to keep foster families stable and supported the program includes a free, welcoming resource center- a warm, judgment-free space where caregivers can access clothing, diapers, school supplies, strollers, car seats, and other essentials—free of charge and with dignity. Monthly respite days where caregivers can take a break while children engage in supervised, enriching activities; and family connection events that reduce isolation and build community including a monthly support group with free dinner, and trauma-informed training. Additionally, we provide a safe, welcoming space for supervised family visitation, helping children maintain important bonds. Each of our initiatives is geared towards directly impacting the problem that nearly half of all foster families quit within 1 year. Foster families have expressed their needs: support and training and Foster Friends directly supports those problems with innovative and first-of-their-kind programs within the Antelope Valley area of Los Angeles County.

Unlike larger, county-wide programs, our team is deeply embedded in the Antelope Valley community—we know the families personally, we respond in real-time, and we stay present between crises. This trusted, accessible model addresses the core reasons families quit: lack of support, emotional exhaustion, feeling alone and lack of training. With this grant, we will build a stronger, more sustainable care network in LA County. When successful, our work will lead to fewer foster families quitting, more stable placements for children, and a stronger, more connected caregiving community LA County by meeting emotional, practical, and relational needs. Fewer kids will bounce between homes, and more families will feel equipped, supported, and encouraged to continue fostering. Our vision is a thriving, localized support hub that becomes a model for other high-need regions in LA County - to ensure no foster family feels alone and every child has the consistency they deserve.