Board of Supervisors to Expand Proven Wolf Therapy Program to Address Trauma and Improve Outcomes for Foster Youth in High-Need Communities
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LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell and Kathryn Barger to expand the proven success of Wolf Therapy, an innovative, trauma-informed program that helps youth build self-awareness, emotional healing, and a sense of belonging through interactions with rescued wolves and nature.
The motion directs the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to extend its Fiscal Year 2025–26 contract with the nonprofit organization Wolf Connection to serve at least 150 foster youth and opportunity youth between the ages of 14 and 21 in high-need communities across South Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and the Antelope Valley.
“Youth in South LA deserve access to proven forms of therapy that are backed by research and restorative in healing trauma. I am proud to author this motion that will expand access to nature-based and human-animal therapy for youth in South LA. When more than half of the children in South LA live below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit and face the highest Hardship Index in the County, I am committed to expanding access to youth who traditionally have not been able to access these forms of healing,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Second District.
“Wolf Therapy is a powerful and proven approach that helps people heal from trauma by building self-awareness and connection,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Fifth District. “By expanding this program to the Antelope Valley, we’re helping ensure some of our most at-risk youth have access to innovative support that will help them thrive and achieve their fullest potential. That’s our goal.”
Wolf Connection is a nonprofit organization recognized as a global leader in restorative care through human-animal relationships. The organization is based in the Antelope Valley and supports youth in healing from trauma through meaningful connections to nature and animals. In partnership with Claremont University’s Psychology Department, Wolf Connection program evaluations have found a 39 percent improvement among participants in emotional recovery and coping skills.
“As a licensed psychologist and Executive Director of Wolf Connection, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how Wolf Therapy reaches young people in foster care who have been failed by traditional systems of support,” said Amanda Beer, Executive Director of Wolf Connection. “These youth often carry deep relational trauma, and healing requires a felt sense of safety, trust, and connection. Wolf Therapy creates a living, relational experience where youth learn regulation, responsibility, and belonging alongside rescued wolves who mirror their own resilience. This motion represents more than just a program—it is a critical investment in innovative, trauma-informed care for our most vulnerable youth.”
The program expansion is funded through the County’s Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Flexible Family Support (FFS) funds. A total of $260,000 will be allocated for the expansion, bringing the County’s total investment in the program to $1.7 million. These funds support services that stabilize placements and promote the well-being of children and youth in foster care or extended foster care. DCFS will also provide transportation for participating youth to and from the Wolf Connection camp.
