The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved $3 million in financing to support the development of Together California’s new foster care village in Palmdale, an innovative project that will provide a nurturing home environment where brothers and sisters in the foster care system can remain together.
“Keeping siblings together can provide an important source of stability and connection for children navigating the foster care system,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes Palmdale. “Supporting Together California and this village is deeply important to me because I believe it will change lives. This project will give foster youth siblings an opportunity to grow up supported by dedicated caregivers and a community committed to their success.”
Today’s action approves a $3 million loan through the Los Angeles County Development Authority to provide permanent financing for the project and help ensure its completion. The 4.7-acre village will feature individual homes surrounding a central community facility, with trained foster parents dedicated to caring for sibling groups.
The need is particularly significant in the Antelope Valley. Approximately 30% of sibling groups in the area consist of four or more children, while 16% of placements involve groups of five or more siblings. Together California’s model is designed to address the challenges of finding placements that can accommodate larger sibling groups and prevent brothers and sisters from being separated.
Supervisor Barger has also committed $1.06 million in Fifth District discretionary funding to support Together California and help bring the village to fruition.
Together California will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Palmdale village on Wednesday, September 9, marking the next major step toward establishing this project.