DCFS Century Office Location

5757 W. Century Blvd., 3rd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Tel: (310) 348-6934

Fax: 310-216-4257

Map and directions

          The EASE-IN (Emancipating Adolescents Supportively Through Early Interdependent Networking) Program is a specialized joint project of DCFS and UCLA designed to prepare MSW graduate interns in child welfare practice, leadership and program management skills. Each intern receives a one-year stipend of $18,500. EASE-IN serves foster youth, ages 13-15, living in SPA 6 (South Los Angeles).  A DCFS  field instructor dedicated to the unit, an LCSW university field faculty member and a full-time UCLA administrative assistant provides students with comprehensive supervision and staff support. 

           The program's mission is to "enhance the quality of life of Pre-Independent Living Program (ILP) Youth and their foster families" with an emphasis on facilitating both permanence in the youth's lives and preparation for emancipation.  EASE-IN began in 1994 and is the only project of its kind in the nation.  EASE-IN has served over 300 Los Angeles County foster youth over the past decade.  Approximately 30 youth and their caregivers participate in the program annually, receiving intensive case management and group counseling services to help better prepare them for independent living after leaving care.  In alignment with DCFS outcome goals, the eight UCLA MSW interns are trained to enter into homes, engage families and systems, work with collateral contacts, and utilize strengths-based interventions.