Strengthening VC Families (SVCF), an initiative of Ventura County Children and Family Services, is seeking resource homes for older youth that are currently in out-of-home (foster) care. These older youth, ages 16 - 21, have a harder time finding permanent or temporary living situations compared to younger kids, and they frequently lack dedicated and involved mentors in their lives.

"It's important for families to open their homes, so teens experience love and stability from a warm family and also to help advise us for our future" said Maria, a teen in out-of-home care, "I didn't like to go to high school but since Francisca and Danny invited me into their family, I became a better person by going to school and not giving up. I am now at Oxnard College studying Culinary Arts and I will have my own business as a chef one day. Francisca and Danny helped me a lot in my life and are very supportive, I know now that if I work hard, anything is possible."

SVCF walks alongside resource parents through the whole process, and will aid resource parents as much as possible, but they need families to take the step of opening their homes to these youth who are entering adulthood and need love, support, and guidance.

"The need for resource parents for older children in Ventura County is great. These youth are our future, and they need us to show them how to navigate life, learn how to open bank accounts, learn social skills and life skills like cooking and shopping on a budget." said Francisca Carrillo, resource parent. "It’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to help somebody in need, especially a child. I'm very grateful for the opportunity."

“There are currently over 200 older youth in Ventura County who need strong adult mentors in their lives,” said Patricia Peralta, Children & Family Services - Youth Services Department Supervisor. “The importance of this support cannot be overstated, as there are so many aspects of life that teens and young adults will struggle to navigate without the assistance of wise and caring mentors that have been through it all themselves.”

While someone stepping up to be a resource parent is the biggest way they can aid an older youth, there are many other ways to provide guidance and support for these youth, outside of housing. Strengthening VC Families are also asking community members to offer mentorship on a regular basis, provide a listening ear, and give advice to a youth considering career choices or college. Other members can provide provisions or fundraise for provisions for youth who are ageing out of the system and moving into independent living.

Those who are interested in becoming a resource parent or learning more about the ways in which they can aid older youth can visit https://strengtheningvcfamilies.org/helping-teens/ or call (805) 654-3220.


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The County of Ventura Human Services Agency, Children and Family Services (CFS) vision is to offer support, hope and opportunity to families and children in need. It is through this vision we have developed Strengthening VC Families approach.

The goal of helping children and youth in Ventura County is to support the whole child, whole family, and whole community through integration and alignment of services. This goal is achieved by increasing preventative work to keep families together, aligning practices throughout the continuum of health and human services, and active engagement with diverse community partners to strengthen families together.