Mental health emerged as the leading concern for young people across Los Angeles County, according to the Youth Commission's 2025 Annual Report released today.
The report, based on surveys of 881 youth from all five Supervisorial Districts, found that mental health outpaced education, employment, housing and foster care as the top priority for local young people. Nearly two-thirds of respondents identified mental health as an area where they want the Commission to focus its advocacy efforts.
Education ranked second among youth priorities, followed by employment. Housing and foster care also surfaced as significant issues, highlighting what the Commission described as a need for both stability and supportive environments for young people throughout the county.
The survey included both system-involved youth, meaning those who have interacted with agencies such as the Department of Children and Family Services or the Probation Department, and non-system youth. Of the 881 respondents, 551 were system-involved and 330 were not, allowing the Commission to compare experiences across both populations.
System-involved youth expressed a strong desire for safe spaces where they feel respected and supported. They also called for better access to resources, reduced age barriers and flexible, healing-centered care including nontraditional therapy and trauma-informed practices.
Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis emphasized the importance of the findings.
"The Youth Commission's report provides invaluable insight into how mental health, education, and employment are at the forefront of concerns for Los Angeles County youth," Solis said. "These are challenging times, and the County must act accordingly. Together, we elevate these critical issues and the voices of young people in Los Angeles to continue shaping partnerships, support, and resources that better serve our communities and future generations."
Third District Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath echoed those sentiments, calling for action based on what young people are telling county leaders.
"The Youth Commission's report reinforces that mental health and housing stability are fundamental to a young person's wellbeing and future in Los Angeles County," Horvath said. "Young people are telling us what they need, and it is time for us to listen and take action. I continue to be impressed by the Youth Commission's passion, expertise, and insight. I look forward to continuing to partner to turn their priorities into policies and investments that expand stability and opportunity."
The Commission conducted its survey from February 27 to September 20, 2025, working with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Probation Department, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, Los Angeles Unified School District and community-based organizations. Most surveys were completed on paper through in-person outreach at schools, community programs and high-need areas, reflecting both youth preferences and limited access to phones or internet among some populations.
Beyond the survey findings, the Commission reported participating in more than 75 informative opportunities throughout the year, including roundtable discussions with eight county departments and agencies, 25 strategic partnerships and collaboration on three Board motions.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Commission outlined plans to deepen its engagement with young people and influence systemic change. The Commission intends to hold countywide strategic convenings with stakeholders to shape its 2026 planning retreat and expand partnerships with community-based organizations, particularly those serving youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
The Commission also plans to explore new methods for connecting with youth in schools, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, neighborhoods and digital platforms. Continued efforts to amplify youth voices and advance policy recommendations reflecting their needs remain central to the Commission's mission.
The Youth Commission was established in 2020 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors as the official youth advisory body to the county. Members include young people with lived experience in foster care, juvenile justice and homelessness.
The full report is available at youthcommission.lacounty.gov.