LA Gets Funding To Help Youth Transition Out Of Foster Care

The money comes from Youth Villages. It's a national nonprofit organization that seeks to prevent former foster kids from becoming homeless, unemployed or incarcerated after they age out of the system.

Louisiana's Child Welfare Manager, with the state Department of Children and Family Services, Christy Tate says they are appreciative of the grant.

"In order to receive the grant, the department had to show the ability to continue the program past the three years, but the grant is for three years and three-million dollars," said Tate.

Tate says they are excited to implement the program as part of Louisiana's efforts to extend foster care through age 21.

"This was perfect the timing for us to do something different, than more of the same," said Tate.

The money will allow DCFS expand their investment in older foster youth.

"Together we can demonstrated that with the right support these resilient young people can achieve their goals and become successful adults," said Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler.