Data & Reports – Department of Youth Development

Our Impact

Explore DYD’s findings, data dashboards, and published reports on youth development. These insights help us identify what’s working, address gaps, and make informed decisions to better support youth in Los Angeles County.

Youth Diversion Data

DYD publishes quarterly data dashboards to update our partners and communities on the process and impact of diversion on participating youth. We are committed to equity-centered evaluation and transparent data ethics.We are always working to improve our approach to advancing racial equity and youth development through youth diversion. View the snapshot of diversion for DCFS-involved youth.

Youth Development Network Data

DYD publishes quarterly data dashboards to update our partners and communities on youth enrollment and engagement, services received, demographics, and program impact.

Reports

Whether you’re a parent, mentor, educator, or a young person yourself, we encourage you to reach out and share your thoughts. Your input helps us create innovative solutions, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that our programs are inclusive, equitable, and impactful. Together, we can build a brighter future for the youth of Los Angeles County.

Infographic titled “What Defines Youth? Summary of Research & Recommendations.” It explains research from Imoyase Community Support Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development on defining “youth” for L.A. County. The infographic shows a horizontal age bar divided into three sections: Childhood (ages 10–15), Adolescence (ages 16–21), and Adulthood (ages 22–26), with “Transition Age Youth” spanning ages 16–26. Text states that youth are defined as ages 10–26, but chronological age alone should not define youth. A smiling cartoon brain character holds a pencil and clipboard. Below, a yellow box titled “Why Is This Important?” explains that inconsistent definitions of youth across systems in Los Angeles County have caused barriers to effective policy and service delivery. It emphasizes that scientific evidence and community research highlight the importance of socio-cultural context, economic factors, and systems-involvement in the transition to adulthood.

Defining Youth Research Summary

In 2025, DYD partnered with Imoyase Community Support Services for multi-disciplinary, youth-centered research to inform a definition of “youth” for Los Angeles County. Check out the summary of key findings here and the full report from Imoyase here.

Infographic titled “Celebrating DYD’s Second Year! July 1, 2023 – July 1, 2024,” presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development. The left side shows a young person in a black hoodie standing outdoors near colorful balloon arches in front of a glass building. The right side, on a blue background, lists key achievements: 4050+ youth served in Youth Development, Diversion, and Transformative Mentorship programs countywide. 750+ community, county, and philanthropic partners engaged in collaborative planning and feedback. 64 organizations received an initial allocation of $50,000,000 to advance community-centered programs and research. 53 staff with diverse professional and personal experiences dedicated to youth wellbeing and safety.

DYD’s Second Annual Report

The Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development’s 2nd Annual Report includes highlights and accomplishments from July 2023 – July 2024 along with priorities for the future.

Infographic showing that youth diversion in L.A. County reduces legal trouble by 95% and saves $40K per youth.

Outcomes, Equity, and Cost Benefit Analysis: DYD’s Youth Diversion Program

RDA Consulting completed a comprehensive evaluation of the DYD Youth Diversion and Development program, including outcomes, equity, and cost benefit analyses, as well as Youth Participatory Action Research that centered youth voices and made the evaluation even more meaningful. Check out an extended summary and a one-page summary.

Infographic celebrating DYD’s first year (July 1, 2022–July 1, 2023) with highlights on building partnerships and future youth development projects.

Department of Youth Development – First Year-in-Review

The Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development first year-in-review highlights accomplishments from our first year and plans for the future. You can also view a year-in-review summary for a brief overview.

Graphic with text “Designing Youth Diversion & Development in Los Angeles County” on a green background, showing a youth figure with a backpack near a school icon.

How to Guide: Designing Youth Diversion & Development in LA County

With support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a group of partners and youth leaders who were part of the collaborative process that designed Los Angeles County’s Youth Diversion and Development model created this collaborative history as a roadmap to inform and empower other youth and their allies who are interested in developing a similar approach in their communities. This collaborative history includes stories of why and how Los Angeles County’s approach to youth diversion and youth development came to be.

Infographic titled “Diversion Model, with Recommended Strategies to Promote Enrollment.” It outlines three steps: 1) Youth receive a referral to YDD instead of arrest, 2) Community providers contact youth and families, and 3) Diversion goals are created to help youth avoid arrest records. Includes simple illustrations of youth, providers, and community settings.

Youth Diversion and Development Youth Fellowship Research

In 2021, the Division of Youth Diversion and Development (YDD) partnered with the Workforce Development, Aging, and Community Services (WDACS) Department to establish a YDD Youth Fellowship. One of our inaugural Youth Fellows worked with YDD’s Research & Policy team to develop these data-informed recommendations for addressing barriers to enrollment in youth diversion programming with a focus on young women of color as part of her Fellowship.