LA County Boosts Funding for Youth 'Wolf Therapy' Program

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to increase funding for a unique program that uses "wolf-based therapy" to aid at-risk youth.

The nonprofit organization, Wolf Connection, located in Palmdale, employs wolves to help young people facing challenges in school, mental health issues, or foster care situations.

Participants in the program spend time with wolves under the supervision of a handler. By learning about the wolves' stories and pack dynamics, the youth are encouraged to address their own traumas and develop new social skills. The county's decision will increase funding to Wolf Connection by $260,000 for the fiscal year 2025-26. This boost will allow the program to serve an additional 150 youth at the Palmdale ranch, according to the county Department of Mental Health.

LAist reports that the program aims to provide innovative mental health support to those in need. The increased funding reflects the county's commitment to exploring alternative therapies that can positively impact young lives.