Photos:: A respite from a life on the streets

Deputy Brownell removes Vonie Bonjour from the center for verbally abusing staff. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Feb. 28, 2015 10 AM PT

The center has evolved into a holding facility for the most difficult to place youths who have been thrown out of foster homes.

Vonie Bonjour, a 19-year-old transgender woman, has spent more than a week at the center. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Connie Dixon waits nervously for a placement at a foster home. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Brittany, 16, yells: “All you need to know is that I hate this place and I hate the law!” (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

At night, cots are rolled out and the children slip under the sheets. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

On this night, out of nearly 30 youths, only one has just entered foster care for the first time: Ruben. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Police brought a 16-year-old in handcuffs after they discovered her on the Metro Blue Line with a counterfeit $100 bill. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles County’s Youth Welcome Center is a converted dining hall at a public hospital. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

At night, cots are rolled out and the children slip under the sheets. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Youths are fed at the center while they wait to be placed in a foster home. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Social worker Deborah Heath, left, promises Regina Cooper that she will find her a foster home. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Regina Cooper, left, talks to social worker Janice Heather. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)

Social worker Deborah Heath, left, tells foster guest, Connie - a mother of a young child- that she is working hard to find her a home. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times)