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Independent Living Services

Independent Living Services

Starting at age 14, youth in foster care must begin preparation for Independent Living.
Case Services Plan
The youth must participate in the case service plan and accept responsibility for the implementation with the assistance of identified individuals.  The service plan must contain a written description of the programs and services which will help the youth prepare for transition to independence or outline his/her ability to take care of his/her self physically, socially, economically, and psychologically. 
Foster care parents are responsible for and need to assist the youth in learning or seeking independent living skills such as:
  • Daily living skills.
  • Preventive health services.
  • Mentoring.
  • Obtaining high school diploma, vocational training, and post-secondary education.
  • Career exploration, job training, job placement, and job retention.
  • Counseling.
  • Parenting skills.
  • Money management and budgeting.
  • Provision of personal and emotional support for you when you are aging out of foster care, including use of mentors and other dedicated adults.
  • Locating a suitable living arrangement after foster care.
When the youth becomes eligible for an Independent Living stipend, an Independent Living Agreement must be developed with the youth's participation and signature, and the youth must be given a copy of the agreement. When the youth's foster care case is closed the foster care worker must give the youth a copy of the Aftercare Services pamphlet (PUB 858).