Assisting adolescents and young adults as they face the challenging experience of transitioning from the world of children's services into that of independent community life.
The Clinic recognizes that the need for services and supports does not necessarily end simply because one graduates from high school or reaches his or her 21st birthday. In fact, the transition period of leaving the safety net of children’s services and confronting the independence of the adult world can be a particularly challenging time for youth with mental illnesses.
The Clinic’s nationally accredited The Avis & Mark Ridley-Thomas Life Learning Program is designed to support older adolescents and young adults, age 15-25, who are receiving mental health services. This includes assisting them in pursuing higher educational goals or in identifying and securing employment opportunities. Hands-on experience and one-on-one counseling are provided in the areas of vocational assessment, employment seeking, job development, and independent living skills.
The Clinic is the only mental health provider in our geographic area that provide these specialized services for young adults who are attempting to successfully transition to greater independence and productivity in the community.
Avis & Mark Ridley-Thomas Life Learning Center
The Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic Capital Campaign, Building Success has been launched with a goal to raise an estimated $4.2 million. The Avis & Mark Ridley-Thomas Life Learning Center will be located at 5054 South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. The Life Learning Center was named in honor of two prominent leaders who proactively support coalition building, social justice, empowerment, and non-violent solutions. The newly reimagined and renovated building will be a dedicated youth center to encourage participants and their peers to “drop in” and use it as a safe zone and resource.
Background
Many factors are limiting the successful transition from youth to adulthood in Los Angeles.
The Clinic recognizes that the need for services and supports does not necessarily end simply because one graduates from high school or reaches his or her 21st birthday. In fact, the transition period of leaving the safety net of children’s services and confronting the independence of the adult world can be a particularly challenging time for youth with mental illnesses.
