Para Los Niños
Youth Development Services

Para Los Niños Youth Development Services (YDS) is a program approved by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to provide current and former foster and probation youth, between 14 and their 21st birthday, living in SPA 6 (South Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, Paramount and Lynwood) with Independent Living Skills and related type services.  Services include Life Skills Training classes, tutoring and mentoring. With the support of community collaborative partners, youth will also benefit from supportive services such as legal and health clinics, job assistance, and higher education workshops.  All eligible participants have access to our on-site drop-in center.

          Click to go to the Child Development center:

Life Skills Classes

Do you want to learn about all the college scholarships you qualify for, how to increase your chances of getting the job you want, or maybe how to secure a place to live once you are on your own?  Para Los Niños Youth Development Services provides current and former foster and probation youth between the ages of 16 and 21, living in South Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, Paramount and Lynwood, with 30 hours of Life Skills Training (LST).   LST classes provide youth with relevant information on education, employment, money management and other necessary skills, which makes the transition from out-of–home care to self-sufficient, independent living most successful. Upon completion, youth are eligible to receive $100.00 and other incentives.

          Click to go to the Youth Development Services center:

Tutoring

Having trouble writing essays or organizing your thoughts on paper for your English class?  Or are you having trouble finding the answer to those math problems?  Better yet, do you wish to prepare yourself for the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)? Para Los Niños  Youth Development Services offers current and former foster and probation youth one-on-one tutorial services. Youth between the ages 14 -15 are eligible to receive 50 hours of free one-on-one tutorial assistance with a caring tutor that will work at their pace, in their home or location of choice.

          Click to go to the After-school Programs center:

 Youth Development Services (YDS) Mentor Program

Youth Development Services (YDS) Mentor Program provides youth with a unique opportunity to be matched with a mentor that can assist and guide youth to become independent successful adults through a healthy, trusting friendship.

A mentor is simply an individual that engages in building a healthy relationship with another individual. A mentor provides support, guidance, friendship, role modeling, assistance, and an attentive ear.  The YDS Mentor Program offers two types of volunteer mentoring opportunities. 

• Peer mentors are former or current foster/probation youth that will or have successfully transitioned into independent adults.  They have had to struggle with many of the same life circumstances and endured many of the same pain as those sitting in YDS Life Skills Training Classes.   They provide an understanding heart and friendship that can enhance others’ lives.
• Adult mentors are volunteers, 21 years and older, that are dedicated to spending time in building a healthy relationship with youth, guiding and assisting them, and potentially forming a long-lasting bond throughout the course of their lives.

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