The Alliance’s primary objective is to provide stability to foster children and those at risk of entering foster care by helping them obtain healthcare, educational services and financial support so that more of them reach permanency through adoption, legal guardianship or by returning safely to their biological family.

For those youth who do age out of the system without a family, we have built a core program designed to give this population the tools and guidance they need to live independently.

Adoption gives foster children a chance to be a member of a family forever. With the help of an army of dedicated pro bono attorneys, The Alliance completes nearly 1/3 of all foster care adoptions in L.A. The Alliance connects with the adoptive families as early as possible to identify any psychological, health, or educational needs of the child to avoid unnecessary delays in the adoption.

The Adoption Day program, introduced by The Alliance and its partners in 1997, is the model for National Adoption Day, now celebrated in all 50 states.
Go To Foster Care Adoption Program Page

Throughout Los Angeles, more than 300,000 children live with a relative or friend because their parents are unable or unwilling to care for them. Without a legal relationship, caregivers who are willing to be there for these kids are limited in their ability to protect and provide for them.

The Alliance helps caregivers become legal guardians of the children in their care so that they can take them to the doctor, enroll them in school and obtain financial assistance to better provide them a secure, stable life.
Go To Legal Guardianship Program Page

Children in foster care or living in poverty face tremendous challenges and barriers accessing health care. The instability of their home lives and frequent placement changes make accessing consistent, quality medical care nearly impossible. The Alliance assists children facing Medi-CAL eligibility problems, treatment denials, and those unable to find medical or mental health providers.

Alliance staff also conduct trainings about the health care needs and rights of impoverished children for medical and social service providers as well as caregivers and group homes.
Go To Health Care Program Page

Children who have been abused or neglected by their parents have a tremendous need for a stable home. Caregivers who step up to provide for these children can become overwhelmed, putting that essential stability at risk. The Alliance obtains appropriate funding and services for these children so that caregivers can access critical supports like physical therapy, counseling, specialized medical equipment, and respite care.

Securing these resources can often mean the difference between permanent, secure homes and struggling, unstable ones.
Go To Public Benefits Program Page

Nowhere are the injustices and challenges for impoverished and foster children more evident than in their ability to receive an education. It is estimated that nearly one half of foster children have learning disabilities or developmental delays. This program is aimed at leveling the playing field for children who are learning impaired but seldom receive the benefit of an Individual Education Program tailored to meet their special needs.

The Alliance takes a comprehensive approach to addressing this reality by providing direct advocacy and representation, as well as training to empower caregivers.
Go To Special Education Program Page

Every year approximately 1,500 youth “age out” of the foster care system in Los Angeles without adequate support or preparation. The Alliance’s NextSTEP Program is a lifeline that helps guide youth through the difficult transition from foster care to independence by educating them about their legal rights and empowering them with skill-building workshops and access to resources.

NextSTEP’s Mentoring Program further supports these youth by providing them with caring, consistent, adult role models who help them to make good decisions and set attainable life goals.

SSI for Disabled Youth. The population of physically and mentally disabled youth aging out of foster care is one of the most dangerously vulnerable groups in our society. The Alliance works to improve their outcomes and stabilize their lives after foster care by ensuring that eligible disabled youth are connected with SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits, in order to help them access medical and mental health care and appropriate housing.

Go To NextSTEP: Transitioning Youth Program Page

Go To Disabled Youth Program Page

The Alliance for Children’s Rights provides children with a voice for system-wide change. Working with a high volume of individual clients enables The Alliance to recognize trends and identify large scale issues.

Through litigation, legislative reform, and support of sound policy, The Alliance promotes practices that are in the best interests of children and challenges those that aren’t.