FAQ

What is a foster child?

Foster children have been abused, abandoned or neglected by their parent or parents and who, through no fault of their own, have been removed from the home by the county. More than 75% of foster children enter placement as a result of neglect. Foster youth face an extra set of challenges that severely impact their opportunity to develop into independent and stable adults.
Read more about the Challenges Facing Foster Youth >

How many foster youth are there in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles County is home to nearly 20,000 foster youth. There are close to a half million foster youth in the United States – approximately 20% are right here in California.

How much does it cost to fund foster care?

Nationally, the direct cost of foster care amounts to over $33 billion. In California, it costs approximately $4.7 billion annually and countywide, Los Angeles spends nearly $1.7 billion per year.

At UFC, $15,000 will send a foster youth to college, $5,000 will fund two summer internships and $1,500 will provide housing assistance to three recent college graduates.

What happens to youth after they “age out” of foster care?

When a child in foster care turns eighteen, they emancipate or “age out” of the foster care system. This means that they are no longer a dependent of the State and are responsible for their own well-being. Former foster youth face the challenges of finding housing, work and enrolling in school - alone.
Read more about Life After Foster Care >

What makes UFC different from other organizations serving foster youth?

While we are proud of our outcomes highlighted on this page, the unsung outcome at UFC is something you cannot quantify - the emotional health and well-being of our youth who finally feel like they are part of a family.  This is because at the core of UFC’s programs are relationships and a long-term commitment to foster youth.

All of UFC’s programs focus on consistency. Our commitment to College Readiness students is for six years and another five years if enrolled in our College Sponsorship Program. College Sponsorship participants can count on our support for up to five years while obtaining their Bachelor’s Degree but can continue receiving supportive services as they pursue a career or graduate degree. Pathways participants can spend up to 18 months in program housing but the relationship is extended many years beyond that through our Pathways Alumni Program.

Thus, the youth we serve will always have a home at UFC.