Transitional Age Youth Program

Active since 2002, the PORTALS Transitional Age Youth (TAY) program provides an array of community-based rehabilitation services for young adults, aged 16 to 25, with diagnosed mental illness. TAY members have, in most cases, “aged out” of the L.A. County child foster care or probation system. Many have already experienced episodes of homelessness, trauma, neglect, and a general lack of nurturing during their formative childhood years.  

 

A comprehensive range of PORTALS services – designed to prepare these young members for independent living – includes 24-hour intensive case management; job training and placement; much-needed housing assistance; educational support; and social rehabilitation activities. A specialized multi-disciplinary professional and paraprofessional team works with TAY members to help them actively address their mental illness issues, overcome barriers to treatment, and remain in the program as they pursue their life goals.

 

PORTALS’ Camerford residence in Hollywood, a transitional campus-style setting, offers safe, supportive housing for TAY members in need.

 

From 2003 through 2005, the Transitional Age Youth Program:

 

• Provided mental health case management services to 87 young adults.
• Arranged or provided supportive housing to 52 TAY members.

• And helped 31 members pursue their education; 10 to find paid jobs in the community; and 34 to graduate to permanent supportive housing and community integration.