Independent Living Programs

• Advisory committee
• Contractors
• Eligibility
• Services

The ILP may provide the following types of services:

• Tutoring/Remedial
• GED Classes
• Preparation for Higher Education
• Driver's Education
• Vocational Assessment
• Special Vocation Training
• Financial assistance

• Job Readiness
• Job Search
• Job Placement

• Peer Groups
• Youth Networks
• Retreats
• Conferences

Eligibility

DHS child welfare offers four programs for helping youth achieve independence.

• Independent Living-Skill Building Program (ILP), which provides training and classes to prepare youth to live independently.
• Independent Living Subsidy Program (ILSP) and
• Chafee Housing Program
• Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)

Provide funds to foster care youth and former foster care youth to help with rent and other expenses when youth are actually living on their own.

To see if a youth qualifies for these programs, please see the following questions.

ILP Skills Training

• Age 14 or older?
• Currently in foster care* or was in foster care for 180 days after the age of 14?
• Less than age 21?
• In need of ILP services to become self-sufficient and independent?

If you marked all answers as yes, the youth is eligible for ILP services up to age 21. To access services you will need to contact your caseworker if you are currently in foster care, or contact your local DHS office and ask for a Voluntary Services Agreement (CF304). You may receive ILP services on a voluntary basis if you are no longer in foster care and are under the age of 21.

*Foster care is defined as placement in foster family homes, relative care, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, child care institutions, and pre-adoptive homes.

Independent Living Subsidy Program (ILSP)

• Age 16 or older?
• Currently in foster care?
• Currently enrolled in ILP skills training?
• In the legal custody of DHS (formerly SCF)?
• In a program of education and/or employment full-time (40 hours
  per week activity)?
• Have you contacted the ILP Desk to determine if funds are available?

If all answers are marked yes, the youth is eligible to receive ILSP services. The youth must go before a screening committee to determine the youth’s readiness/appropriateness. If appropriate, the CF75, CF76, CF77 forms must be completed. The youth may receive his/her first subsidy payment in as little as one week from the time of screening.

Note: Non-DHS youth are not eligible for the ILSP. Youth must be in the care and custody of DHS.

Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)

• Is the youth between the ages of 14 and 20?
• Currently in foster care or was in foster care for at least 180 days after the age of 14?

Chafee Housing

• Is the youth 18 or other?
• Is the youth discharged from care (DHS or Tribal) after turning age 18?

For more information about Independent Living Programs contact: