LA foster youth get free cellphones thanks to The California Public Utilities Commission. Witness LA reports that Los Angeles foster youth ages 13 through 26 will have access to free smartphones with unlimited voice, text, data, and a hotspot for internet access.
Why This Matters
The majority of current and aged-out foster youth do not have consistent access to technology. This includes cell phones, laptops, and other internet-connected devices. The digital divide can add to the struggles and feelings of disconnection that youth in care experience. The lack of consistent internet and technology access poses a significant barrier, impacting everything from education to socialization and employment opportunities.
For many foster youth, the absence of a reliable phone or internet service can be a roadblock to staying connected with family members, mentors, and social workers, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Additionally, the challenges extend beyond just communication—many youth face difficulties accessing educational resources and completing assignments without a reliable internet connection. As these young people transition into adulthood, the absence of technology can also hinder their ability to search for jobs, apply for college, or access critical services like healthcare.
By providing foster youth with free cellphones, this program is leveling the playing field and helping them bridge the digital gap, ensuring that they have the tools necessary for success. It addresses a crucial need in today’s increasingly digital world, where connectivity is often seen as essential for success in all areas of life.
Pilot Program Information
The California Public Utilities Commission voted to allocate $22 million into providing smartphones to the over 30k current and aged out foster youth in LA. Witness LA writes,
“The cost to the state of giving approximately 33,000 California foster youth the phones and two years of free service is slightly over $22 million. If approved, the iFoster staff, as the program’s administrators, would work with the various county child welfare agencies to identify the eligible kids under their care. The iFoster people would also train the relevant county staff and would help create sign-up events that kids, social workers, and or caretakers, could attend.”
The Program’s Integrity
In addition, to helping foster youth avoid the digital desert the program offers new data. Nonprofit iFoster proposes to measure the results of the two year program but also track academic, academics and employment situation and in a social wellness level, tracking the overall wellbeing and social interactions. This information is to be measure by self-disclosed surveys, delivered quarterly via text to participating youth.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Foster Love – Together We Rise is excited hear more about this program in the months to come. With the launch date pending for early April 2020 more information can be found on iFoster.org.
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ALLIES
PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES
Opportunity For Activation Of ‘Ally Level’ Sponsorship During One Special Event Or Campaign: Foster Care Awareness Month (May), Back to School (Aug/Sep), Disney Days (May & Sept), Giving Tuesday (Nov)
Live Check Presentation With Foster Love Representative
Custom Impact Reports
Press Release & Video Announcing Partnership
Social Media Post Highlighting Partnership
Table At Foster Love Gala
Featured As ‘Ally Level’ Sponsor On Foster Love Website & Annual Report
Opportunity For Activation Of ‘Champion Level’ Sponsorship During One Special Event Or Campaign: Foster Care Awareness Month (May), Back to School (Aug/Sep), Disney Days (May & Sept), Giving Tuesday (Nov)
Co-branded Video Of Live Check Presentation And Interview of ‘Champion Level’ Brand Representative
Custom Impact Reports
Press Release & Video Announcing Partnership
Social Media Post Highlighting Partnership On Foster Love Social Media Channels
2nd Partnership Video Emphasizing Impact Of Partnership
Table At Foster Love Gala
Featured As ‘Champion Level’ Sponsor On Foster Love Website & Annual Report
Opportunity For Activation Of ‘Superhero Level’ Sponsorship During One Special Event Or Campaign: Foster Care Awareness Month (May), Back to School (Aug/Sep), Disney Days (May & Sept), Giving Tuesday (Nov)
Co-branded Video Of Live Check Presentation And Interview of ‘Superhero Level’ Brand Representative
Custom Impact Reports
Press Release & Video Announcing Partnership
Social Media Post Highlighting Partnership On Foster Love Social Media Channels
2nd Partnership Video Emphasizing Impact Of Partnership
Table At Foster Love Gala
Featured As ‘Superhero Level’ Sponsor On Foster Love Website & Annual Report
