PRIORITIES
Foster Youth
Lifting young people to their fullest potential
Supervisor Barger is passionate about helping foster youth and youth involved with the juvenile justice system. She believes it takes a village to help lift young people up so they can develop to their fullest potential. Supervisor Barger has spearheaded programs that connect foster youth with easily accessible transportation, clothing, technological assistance, and healthcare referrals. Every year, she hosts a holiday party for youth in foster care at Six Flags Magic Mountain so kids and their caregivers can have fun and make lifelong memories. She also hosts a Foster Youth Job Shadow Day that allows young adults to get hands-on experience and exploration in County careers.
Supervisor Barger works closely alongside many nonprofit organizations, educational partners, community groups, and public entities to improve outcomes for at-risk children and youth in the County’s care. She has championed the Friends of the Children program in the Antelope Valley, helping at-risk children and their families receive individualized mentorship for a minimum of 12 years. She is currently collaborating with SOS Children’s Villages, a program that ensures children are kept with their siblings when they are removed from the home, to bring their services to the Antelope Valley. Supervisor Barger has also led efforts to increase retention rates and reduce caseloads for social workers in the Antelope Valley so youth receive consistent and attentive services.