DCFS Serves LGBTQ+ Youth

A 2014 study found that 19% of LA County foster youth, ages 12-21, identify as LGBTQ+.

DCFS has embarked on a mission to better serve you. We are actively training our staff to better understand LGBTQ+ communities, and continue working to confront persistent inequities and lack of services experienced by LGBTQ+ foster youth.

Tailored Services to Youth Program

As of March 1, 2022, youth who identify as LGBTQ+ can receive affirming services tailored to fit their needs and the needs of their family. To access the free program, youth can be referred or refer themselves by electronic submission of a referral form to one of four agencies.

The agencies are assigned according to Service Planning Areas  (SPA), as follows:

SPA 1:   Penny Lane Centers

SPA 2:   The Help Group

SPA 3:   The Los Angeles LGBT Center

SPA 4:   The Los Angeles LGBT Center

SPA 5:   The Los Angeles LGBT Center

SPA 6:   The Los Angeles LGBT Center

SPA 7:   Penny Lane Centers

SPA 8:   Penny Lane Centers

Need help locating your SPA?  The referral forms below include a map of LA County by SPA.

Download Community-Agency Referral    Download Youth Self-Referral

The Alexis Project

Operating out of the LAC+USC Medical Center, the Alexis Project is a place where LGBTQ+ youth can access specialized medical and mental health staff who understand their needs. Their services include gender affirming healthcare, mental health services, surgical services and legal services.

For more information, please call (323) 409-3233, or visit in the Adolescent Care and Transition Clinic in person.

Additional Resources

The following are additional resources available to support LGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers:

5 Things to Know if you Think Your Child is LGBTQ+

9 Laws to Know Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth in California

LA County LGBTQ+ Youth Resources

 

 

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Child Protection Hotline

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Toll Free within California

(800) 540-4000

Outside of California

(213) 639-4500

TDD - Hearing Imparied

(800) 272-6699