Dropout Prevention

The agency provides youth services for high school age teens in Los Angeles County. Services include community clinics targeted to adolescents, dropout prevention, school based teen parent/pregnant teen programs, teen family planning programs and teen pregnancy prevention. Age restrictions apply; services are restricted to youth who reside in SPA 7 or SPA 8.

Community clinic services include general health education; physical exams for schools, sports and employment; immunizations; TB testing; and acne treatment. Behavioral health services for mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorder prevention and treatment are also available. Confidential sexual and reproductive health services include birth control, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, STD testing and treatment, and PrEP and PEP services. A weekly Zoom meeting is available for teens, inluding those who are LGBTQ+, to connect with peers and health educators to discuss sexuality and health issues openly.

The Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) accepts pregnant or parenting teen mothers age 21 or younger who are not receiving CalWORKs benefits. This is a comprehensive case management program that may include assistance with family planning, prenatal care and well-baby care; health and nutrition, mental health services and support groups; employment services; parenting education and child care.  

Cal-Learn is a statewide program for pregnant or parenting teens age 19 or younger, and who are receiving CalWORKs benefits. It provides financial assistance to help with childcare, transportation and school expenses. Graduates of the program may continue in the Bridge Program where case managers provide support and academic guidance to help high school graduates obtain higher learning and career skill development.  

The Escalera Program works with at-risk high school students in grades 11 and 12, to help them graduate, plan their future and achieve higher education. This program is restricted to students from South Gate High School, South East High School, Theodore Roosevelt High School and James A. Garfield High School.  

Additional supportive services for youth program participants may include on site child care or referrals, cooking classes, college visits and field trips, food assistance, student internships and various support groups.