ICYMI: Mayor Bass Leads L.A. Foster Youth Shadow Day

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Two-Day Civic Engagement Program Empowers Foster Youth to Connect with City and County Leaders

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass last week led the L.A. Foster Youth Shadow Day program, which offered foster youth firsthand experience in civic leadership, policymaking, and public service. Mayor Bass concluded the program with a closing luncheon at City Hall, recognizing the delegates' accomplishments and reflections on their experience. Photos and B-roll here.

"Investing in our young people means investing in the future of Los Angeles," said Mayor Karen Bass."Shadow Day gives foster youth not just a seat at the table, but a voice in shaping solutions. By uplifting these young leaders, we are building the next generation of policymakers and advocates while ensuring that city decisions reflect the real needs of our communities."

"I've long supported the National Foster Youth Institute because of the important work they do in empowering foster youth to engage in policymaking and share their voices and experiences," said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. "I'm pleased to take part in this year's Foster Youth Shadow Day, where I can hear directly from these remarkable young people. Their insights are invaluable and help guide my perspective on child welfare moving forward."

"I'm honored to participate in L.A's Foster Youth Shadow Day because it is a reminder that my story has power," said Goharik 'Gigi' Tashchyan, one of the delegates. "Being able to sit down with city leaders and see how decisions are made shows me and our entire community that young people from foster care belong in these rooms and that our voices can shape the future of Los Angeles."

Activities

Supported by the National Foster Youth Institute, the two day program (October 22-23) brought together sixteen foster youth delegates to explore local government, connect with mentors, and observe policymaking in action. Activities included:

• Attending a City Council meeting and shadowing the Offices of Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, Katy Yaroslavsky, Curren Price, Ysabel Jurado, Hugo Soto-Martinez, Bob Blumenfield, Tim McOsker

• Shadowing Mayor and LA County Supervisors during the Metro Board meeting, including Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Lindsey Horvath and Hilda Solis

• Participating in a roundtable discussion with Brenda Shockley, Deputy Mayor of the Mayor's Office of Economic Opportunity, the Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD), the Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) and the Youth Development Department (YDD)

• Visiting the Los Angeles Zoo for a civic engagement presentation

• Joining the L.A. Foster Youth Shadow Day luncheon

During the roundtable, delegates shared personal experiences, asked questions, presented policy recommendations, and received real-time feedback to strengthen their advocacy skills.

New & Enhanced Initiatives Based on Youth Insights

Building on the delegates' advocacy and experiences, City departments and the Mayor's Fund will take the following actions:

• Youth Development Department (YDD): Reserving an annual seat on the LA City Youth Council for a current or former foster youth.

• Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD): Providing mental health support and counseling for foster youth and families at FamilySource Centers, offering housing assistance and case management for foster youth at risk of homelessness, supporting financial empowerment through coaching, savings planning, credit building, and financial literacy training.

• The Mayor's Fund: Expanding its We Are LA Foster Youthprogram to prevent homelessness. Specifically, the program supports youth aging out of foster care with job training, career opportunities, mental health and substance abuse services, and housing.

While in Congress, Mayor Bass founded the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, which has collaborated to facilitate Foster Youth Shadow Day for hundreds of former foster youth since 2012. Building on that legacy, the Mayor, the LA City Council and LA County Board of Supervisors launched its own Foster Youth Shadow Day last year, resulting in actions at the local level, including motions aimed at removing housing barriers, increasing support services, and expanding childcare access for foster youth.