The Independent Living Program assists adolescents in foster care in preparation for self-sufficiency. Independent living services are provided to youth in agency custody ages 14 and up.

These services include:

• Completing a life skills assessment within 60 days of the youth’s 14 birthday or within 60 days of them coming into care if they are over age 14
• Completing an Independent Living Plan based on the life skills assessment within 30 days of the completion of the life skills assessment. The youth must sign and receive a copy of the plan.
• Developing a final transition plan with youth at least 90 days prior to emancipation.
  
  

Youth ages 16 and up in agency custody, are able to complete an approved independent living program or curriculum through their placement provider or by completing the independent living curriculum developed by the SCCS IL program. For more information regarding the Independent Living Curriculum process that helps youth prepare for self-sufficiency, click here or email [email protected].

Youth ages 17 and up participate in an emancipation planning meeting to assist them in developing a transition plan from being in the agency’s care to independence. This plan helps the youth identify available resources including: independent housing; adult mental health services; financial aid; Medicaid; and more.