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Edition 6: July 2025
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors initiated the groundbreaking establishment of a Youth Commission, amplifying the voices of lived experience and catalyzing impactful change. Formed in 2020, the Youth Commission is led by youth who have directly navigated the systems we aim to enhance. We are not just any group. We are the voice of young people like you, shaping policies, practices, and services based on real-life stories from those who have experienced the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Beyond mere advisory roles, we are proactive leaders, actively dismantling barriers and driving positive transformation throughout Los Angeles County.
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Listening Session - Youth Event
On April 26, 2025, the District 4 Empowerment Forum was held at the South Whittier Community Resource Center, focused on key issues affecting youth and families, including mental health, juvenile justice, education, and employment. Youth Commissioner Christopher Espino and Co-Chair Brittianna Robinson led the youth event, facilitating discussions and encouraging community participation to empower attendees and build stronger connections.
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On May 3, 2025, the LA County Youth Commission hosted a youth-led Community Conversation in Compton, partnering with Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. Held at Compton YouthBuild, the session focused on mental health, juvenile justice, education, and entertainment. Commissioners Mercedes Jackson, Christian Gudiel, and La’Toya Cooper led the way, engaging youth and community members in meaningful discussions to share insights and ideas. The event emphasized the vital role of youth voices in shaping policies and initiatives that impact their communities.
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The First District Youth Commission’s “By Us, For Us: Juvenile Justice & Support Services” event scheduled for June 28 was canceled to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.
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Upcoming Event
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Commission Spotlight
The LA County Youth Commission held its Mid-Year Retreat, bringing commissioners together for a day of team building, creative visioning, and learning. Highlights included a puzzle challenge, vision and affirmation boards, a Paint & Sip lunch, and a presentation on the Juvenile Justice System. The retreat fostered connection and renewed focus on youth-led impact.
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On July 11, the Youth Commission joined the Department of Children and Family Services at Cal State Dominguez Hills to celebrate the achievements of foster youth graduates. This event honored students in the ILP Program who are advancing to college or university, highlighting their hard work, resilience, and promising futures. Representing the LA County Youth Commission, Commissioners Ricardo Ortega Martinez Jr., Evelyn Rodriguez, Mercedes Jackson, Luisa Flores Urrutia, and Amanda Hernandez attended to celebrate, uplift, and support these remarkable young scholars. More than a ceremony, the event was a powerful testament to the strength of foster youth and the community standing behind them.
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Community Engagement
On June 28, 2025, Pomona’s Parks in the Dark program brought the community together with free evening activities like movie nights and concerts, creating safe and welcoming spaces for families and youth. The Youth Commission outreach team was on-site to engage with attendees, connect with youth and families, and share valuable resources to encourage deeper community involvement.
On April 6, 2025, DCFS partnered with Old Navy to host a shopping spree for 85 foster youth at Palmdale Mall. Youth were paired with volunteers and received $100 gift cards and school supply-filled duffle bags, thanks to the Assistance League and Walmart. The Youth Commission was on-site to support and connect, as the day closed with snacks from Wetzel’s Pretzels and plenty of smiles.
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On May 2, 2025, Youth Commission Co-Chair Brittianna Robinson led “Fluid Emotions”, an interactive workshop at LAUSD’s 3rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Symposium. She was joined by fellow Youth Commissioners Christian Gudiel, Jessica Castillo, and Evelyn Rodriguez. The workshop focused on emotional awareness and mental wellness, giving young people a space to talk openly, break down stigma, and share youth-led ways to manage mental health. Together, they showed how powerful peer leadership can be in supporting youth well-being.
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At the “Pathways to Possibilities” Foster Youth Resource Fair, hosted by the Department of Rehabilitation at Pierce College, the Youth Commission outreach team was on hand to engage with foster youth, share resources, and listen to their experiences. The event connected attendees with services focused on education, legal support, and career development.
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A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff behind Long Beach Youth Week for organizing an impactful and engaging series of events. The Youth Commission’s outreach team was proud to attend from May 15 and 17th to observe, connect, and learn from the innovative ways youth were engaged throughout the week.
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At the annual L.A. City Youth Expo, the Youth Commission outreach team was on hand to engage with attendees, share resources, and build connections with youth across the city. The Expo featured career development workshops, wellness resources, creative showcases, and hands-on activities designed to empower and inspire young Angelenos.
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