Foster Care in LA

Who are Emancipated Youth?

On the day a foster child turns 18 they are “emancipated” from the state and enter the fragile years of early adulthood completely alone.  The statistics surrounding the future of emancipated youth are not promising. 

Every year in Los Angeles County nearly 1500 youth emancipate out of foster care and within 2 years of emancipation:

- 40-50% will experience homelessness  

- 25% will be incarcerated

- 60% will live below the poverty line

Even for those who maintain jobs and remain law-abiding citizens, their access to higher education is severely limited.  While 70% of emancipated youth want to attend college, only 10% enroll in college and less than 1% graduate from a four year institution.  

The Serpentine Project believes that all young adults should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and succeed in life.  We aim to eliminate the obstacles standing in the way as emancipated youth strive to reach their full potential.   

We believe that our individualized approach to this larger problem will change the future of emancipated youth, one youth at a time.   

Help us support LA’s emancipated youth, donate here.