Youth Legal Services
The Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) sections 13300-13307 authorizes the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to provide grants to qualified nonprofit legal services organizations to provide legal services to eligible Unaccompanied Undocumented Minors, as defined in Section 279(g)(2) of Title 6 of the United States Code, and other Immigrant Youth (IY).
The Youth Legal Services (YLS) program awards nonprofit organizations through grants to serve immigrant youth who are in removal proceedings and need legal representation during immigration proceedings. Providers may also assist with State court representation and immigration affirmative filings for immigration reliefs such as asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), T and U visas, and/or any other services this population is eligible for. Legal services include culturally, and linguistically appropriate services provided by attorneys, paralegals, interpreters and other support staff for state court proceedings, federal immigration proceedings, and any appeals arising from those proceedings. The program is currently in a five-year grant agreement, with five separate annual budget cycles.
YLS program funding for SFY 2025-27 is $6.7 million. This funding includes $2.9 million under WIC section 13300 to qualified nonprofits to assist UUMs in the physical custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in California or who are residing with a family member or other sponsor in the state after release from ORR custody. YLS funding also includes $1.3 million under WIC section 13303 to provide removal defense services to IY including but not limited to those who have been processed by or held in custody of the ORR. Lastly this funding includes a $2.5 million increase from Special Session funding for services under WIC sections 13300-13303, for a total combined YLS annual funding of $6.7 million. The augmented funding will increase annual service capacity from 600 in SFY 2024-25 to 964 cases in SFY 2025-26.
The YLS Program service awards are allocated based by region, service providers, and regions services can be found using the Regional Map, listing counties by regions.
SFY 2025-26 YLS Awarded Organizations
In July 2025, CDSS Immigration Services Bureau (ISB) announced the recipients of the YLS program funding for SFY 2025-26. CDSS allocated $6.7 million to renew funds for pro-bono legal services. The YLS program’s fourth year service term is a 12-month service period beginning July 1, 2025, and concludes June 30, 2026. The SFY 2025-26 awarded nonprofit organizations are detailed in the SFY 2025-26 YLS Funding Award Announcement.
Request for Application (RFA)
The YLS Legal Services Funding Request for Application (RFA) period is closed to the public through SFY 2026-27. For the duration of the grant term, the program will only accept renewal funding request from the existing organizations. New organizations wishing to participate will have an opportunity to apply during the next open grant cycle in SFY2027-28.
Previous Awards
For questions specific to Youth Legal Services, email YLSProgram@dss.ca.gov.