The Los Angeles system of care has five major components: networking and consolidation, outreach, short-term crisis shelter, comprehensive medical and psychosocial care, and long-term shelter and case management. The approach is collaborative, with a substantial portion of the work subcontracted to other youth agencies in the community in order to build and strengthen the network of existing services. In the process, the Los Angeles system has moved closer to developing a comprehensive approach to care for homeless street youth throughout the county. Where programs previously operated in relative isolation, representatives from 40 private and public agencies now meet regularly at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles to discuss ways of improving services. Systematized data collection has helped all agencies involved understand how they can work together and has prompted additional funding for needed services. 4 references and 1 table