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Youth Protection Division

What We Do

The Youth Protection Division (YPD) is responsible for collecting and assessing youth protection policies and procedures that exist at City departments. It also serves as a centralized repository of expert knowledge on state, federal, and local policies and best practices for all departments that engage with youth (ages 0-25). YPD identifies and improves mechanisms for preventing youth abuse and protecting minors involved in City programs, services, and events.

The Youth Protection Division is NOT the child protection services agency for Los Angeles County.

To report child abuse, please contact the child protection hotline at (800) 540-4000. For more information, please visit the LA County Department of Children and Family Services website on child abuse.
 

What is Youth Protection
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The Citywide Youth Development Strategic Plan adopted February 7, 2024, defines “youth” as individuals who are 0 to 25 years old (CF: 21-1198-S1).

Youth Protection is a legal set of standards that include laws about how youth are treated so youth cannot be exploited nor harmed. Youth Safety generally refers to keeping youth safe in activities by eliminating bullying, fostering mental and physical health, and mitigating harms. Youth Well-Being refers to both the subjective feelings of youth and objective indicators of their well-being such as access to basic needs and other social development initiatives. 

Current Youth Protection Goals
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Current Goals

Expand the unit’s inventory of existing City youth protection policies, procedures, and programs.

Prepare and facilitate a training series for youth-serving City departments on current youth.

Prepare and disseminate tools and guides City departments and contractors can use to create and maintain safe environments for youth participating in City-managed programs and activities.

Long Term Goals
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Long Term Goals

Position the Youth Protection Division as the go-to place in the City for information, resources, and policies on youth protection and safety.

Establish responsive and productive partnerships with all youth-serving City Departments to facilitate the exchange of information on policies to prevent and reduce youth safety incidents.

Develop a comprehensive repository of tools and training on youth safety widely used by other City departments, City contractors, and community-based organizations serving youth.

Upcoming Youth Training

Guidance and Additional Training
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