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Independent Living Program State Advisory Committee
An organized and active advisory committee can enhance the success of the
Independent Living Program (ILP) and provide a vital link between DHS child
welfare, Foster
Care, education, business, and industry. The ILP relies upon this committee for
advice, assistance, recommendations, and support to meet ILP needs.
If you are interested in youth, especially those from troubled backgrounds,
and would like to make a difference in your community, this may be a perfect
opportunity for you.
The Independent Living Program was designed to assist youth in foster care
to learn the skills necessary to make a successful transition from state custody
to living on their own in the community. The ILP is a federal grant administered
by the State of Oregon through DHS.
The goals of the ILP State Advisory Committee
are to:
- Study the needs of ILP youth in the State of Oregon.
- Advise regarding the
Independent Living Program.
- Offer constructive criticism of the instruction
and materials offered through ILP.
- Serve as the avenue of communication
between ILP and the community.
- Inform, communicate, and network within
the community.
The ILP takes pride in the success of our youth and you can too. The ILP
is a statewide program, with services provided through local nonprofit
organizations
or governmental agencies. The ILP needs a State Advisory committee to help keep
it growing, teaching, exploring and providing better services. Your contribution,
experience, skills, and ideas are needed.
Areas to be developed:
- Locating resources, making contacts
- Directing and empowering youth on the
Board
- Curriculum reviews and development
- Increasing community awareness of ILP
needs
The ILP State Advisory Committee meets quarterly, usually the second Monday
of the month. The meetings are open to the community
you do not have to be a committee member to attend. Following
is
a schedule of when
and where the meetings will be held for the year:
January – Portland/Tri-County Area
April – Salem, Human Services Building
July – Portland/Tri-County Area
October – Salem,Human Services Building
Major committee accomplishments to-date:
- Establishment of the ILP web site
- Recommended the combining of the IV-E
ILP with the Independent Living Subsidy Program. SCF implemented that
recommendation, creating the current Independent
Living Program.
- Updating of the Foster Care Questions handbook for foster
care youth
- Implementation of the Scholarship Selection Committee
Current Committee Projects/Goals:
- Youth Leadership Training
- Long Term Program Follow-up Study
- Corporate Sponsorship/Involvement
Members of the Advisory committee should
represent a mixture of employers, supervisors, and employees who can
address skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary
for
youth to become self-sufficient. Candidates should be strongly committed
to helping youth transition from subsidized care to independent living.
Members
should be cooperative, responsible, and productive people who possess integrity
and a willingness to serve.
Desired committee representation:
- Business & Industry - Large & Small Business Owners & Managers
- Educational Institutions - Educators
- Community Related Programs - Personnel & Training
Directors
- Professional Organizations - National & Local
Organization representatives
Regardless of your occupation, you have something to offer our youth. Your
time, ideas, advice, skills, resources, and contacts are all very valuable.
If you
are interested in attending a meeting or becoming a committee member contact
503-945-5688.
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