LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Youth Commission released its 2025 Annual Report. Grounded in the Commission’s purpose and aligned with the priorities of the Board of Supervisors, the Commission’s 2025 accomplishments were guided by three core pillars — Inform, Engage, and Support.

“The Youth Commission’s report provides invaluable insight into how mental health, education, and employment are at the forefront of concerns for Los Angeles County youth,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “These are challenging times, and the County must act accordingly. Together, we elevate these critical issues and the voices of young people in Los Angeles to continue shaping partnerships, support, and resources that better serve our communities and future generations.”

“I want to thank each member of the County’s Youth Commission for their service and for centering lived experience to help shape policies and services that truly meet young people’s needs. This report highlights the unique challenges many youth face today and underscores our responsibility to listen and work alongside them to turn their insights into real outcomes. By doing so, we not only expand opportunities for our young people but also strengthen the future of our communities,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.

“The Youth Commission’s report reinforces that mental health and housing stability are fundamental to a young person’s wellbeing and future in Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Young people are telling us what they need, and it is time for us to listen and take action. I continue to be impressed by the Youth Commission’s passion, expertise, and insight. I look forward to continuing to partner to turn their priorities into policies and investments that expand stability and opportunity.”

“I’m so proud of these extraordinary commissioners for their hard work engaging with communities across LA County and digging deeper into our toughest challenges to produce this report. We established the Youth Commission for exactly this purpose: to make sure that young people remain at the forefront of helping us make the County work for them and for generations to come. These youth are our future, and they’re already laying the groundwork for a better LA County,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who led the effort to establish the Commission in 2020.

“I firmly believe we must actively listen to young people across our County if we want our initiatives to truly meet their needs,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “The release of the Youth Commission’s 2025 Annual Report reinforces that conviction. This is a pivotal time in their development, and when we elevate their voices and encourage civic participation, we send a powerful message that their perspectives matter. I have long prioritized funding for youth mental health programs—an issue highlighted in this report—because investing in their emotional well-being is essential to helping them reach their full potential.”

This report is based on the Commission’s informative efforts and outreach, which were shaped by five focus areas from its most recent strategic planning process: Mental Health, Employment, Entertainment, Education, and Juvenile Justice. The Commission participated in more than 75 informative opportunities, including roundtable discussions, strategic partnerships, Board motion collaborations, and special projects, to strengthen initiatives serving youth across Los Angeles County.

Some key report highlights revealed that across the County, mental health was the top concern, with education and employment close behind. Housing and foster care also emerged as important issues, illuminating the need for both stability and supportive environments. System-involved youth overwhelmingly called for safe spaces where they feel respected and supported. They also prioritized better access to resources, reduced age barriers, and flexible, healing-centered care such as nontraditional therapy and trauma-informed practices.

Youth from all five Supervisorial Districts helped shape the report, with a balance of system-involved and non-system youth. In total, 881 youths responded, including 551 system-involved (63%) and 330 non-system (37%). This mix allows the Commission to compare experiences, highlight the distinct needs of system-impacted youth, and reflect the broader youth population. 

“This report is the culmination of tireless work from our commissioners, county partners, community leaders, and the support from the Board of Supervisors,” said Tia Summers, LA County Youth Commission Executive Director.  “A central goal of the report is to raise awareness about critical issues affecting youth in LA County, highlight the value of youth voice, and steward partnership to provide support and resources to meet those challenges.”