United Friends of the Children

Since its founding in 1979, United Friends of the Children has been a pillar of the Los Angeles foster-care community. Soon after its establishment, the organization began offering direct services and engaging in advocacy that was integral to the formation of the Department of Children and Family Services in 1984.

Today, United Friends for the Children offers two primary services: Pathways Housing and United Friends Scholars. Pathways Housing is an 18- to 36-month housing program for former foster and probation youth that features a range of services in career and life skills training, mental health programs, and health education. United Friends Scholars is an educational program offering myriad services to help guide youth through school, from sixth grade through college. These holistic programs work hand-in-hand to empower youth and encourage self-sufficiency. Further, United Friends of the Children continues to advocate for sensible policies that support foster youth in their transition into adulthood.