A U.S. District Court judge for the Central District of California has permitted a class-action lawsuit to move forward against Los Angeles County and various California social service and mental health agencies. Filed on August 2023, the lawsuit involves seven foster youth plaintiffs aged 16 to 21, who claim the county’s foster care system fails to provide safe and stable placements for individuals with mental health disabilities.
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The plaintiffs argue that there is inadequate access to housing and mental health services, in violation of legal requirements. They are asking for systemic reforms in support of young people within the foster care system in Los Angeles County. The Extended Foster Care program in California allows young adults aged 18 to 21 to receive continued support including case management and financial assistance if they meet specific criteria.
Key complaints in the lawsuit include a shortage of appropriate foster care placements for transitional-age youth, inadequate consideration of critical factors during placement decisions, and lack of available healthcare services. These grievances are said to infringe upon their constitutional rights. On September 23, the district court largely rejected motions from county and state defendants aimed at dismissing the amended complaint. The defendants in the case include the California Department of Social Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
As of July 2026, over 6,800 youths aged 18 to 21 were reported to be in foster care, according to the Transition-Age Youth Research & Evaluation Hub. Grant A. Davis-Denny, the plaintiffs' attorney from Munger, Tolles & Olson, emphasized during a Zoom interview that insufficient support can lead to long-term difficulties for these young individuals. He stated that those in extended foster care are entitled to essential services, but many struggle with homelessness and inadequate mental health treatment.
Davis-Denny pointed out the instability many young people experience, which complicates their access to support. He noted the adverse effects on mental health from uncertain living arrangements. Nonprofits like Living Advantage Inc., while not involved in the lawsuit, aim to provide assistance to foster youth, helping to cultivate stability necessary for better mental health outcomes. Executive Director Pamela Clay highlighted the connection between instability and mental health challenges.
Davis-Denny shared that reforms sought in the lawsuit include enhanced housing options and improved access to mental health care. He advocates for more intensive care coordination to assist youth in navigating complex healthcare systems. The next steps in the lawsuit will involve gathering information regarding the policies and practices of the county and state agencies related to transitional-age foster youth.