This episode revisits the LA County foster care system, a system that has been the recipient of unfavorable news coverage, particularly related to our most traumatized and troubled children.
Foster placement is particularly complicated for our most troubled youth, many of whom are “involved with the juvenile delinquency system, sex trafficked, developmentally disabled or suffering from psychosis”, according to Kathryn Hurd of the LA Times. Sometimes, these youth are violent and so traumatized they are very difficult to place.
In this podcast, Patricia speaks with Lena Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and President of Vista del Mar Child and Family Services. Vista del Mar has served children and families on an 18-acre campus in West LA for over 100 years. They provide outpatient treatment, residential services for our most troubled youth, foster care and adoption placements and supports and a nonpublic school for children who need a more supportive environment in order to learn.
In My Backyard is brought to you by The Guidance Center, a children’s mental health agency in Long Beach, CA. In My Backyard is produced by Tricia Costales and Matthew Murray. Thank you to Jay Vincent B for original music. All other music licensed through SoundStripe. Thank you to our listeners and supporters.
Please visit tgclb.org or text HOPE to 562-262-5689 to make a one-time donation or join our Hope and Healing Club to become a monthly donor today. And subscribe to In My Backyard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.