SOP 7E.6

R. 8/1/03

INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

INTRODUCTION:

The John Chafee Independence Program is a federally-funded program designed to teach children and youth in OOHC and youth formerly in OOHC the skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient after they are released from OOHC. The Chafee Independence Program mandates that all children twelve (12) and over in OOHC receives independent living services, regardless of the permanency goal.

Services are provided by ten (10) regional Independent Living Coordinators and one Central Office specialist employed by EasternKentuckyUniversity and private child care contractors.

Referrals for independent living services can be made by contacting regional Independent Living Coordinators. Referrals to the program may be made by foster parents, workers, and private contractors or by the youth.

The following services are available through the Chafee Independence Program:

12 – 15 year-olds

Foster parents are being trained to work with 12–15 year-olds in the home on “soft” skills such as anger management, problem-solving and decision-making, and on daily living skills such as cooking, household responsibilities, laundry and money management.

16 year-olds

Sixteen year-olds are eligible for formal Life Skills classes taught in each region by Independent Living Coordinators or private contractors. The curriculum includes instruction on Employment, Money Management, Community Resources, Housing and Education.

18–21 year olds committed to the Cabinet

Eighteen to 21 year-olds who extend their commitment are eligible for formal Life Skills classes, tuition assistance and a tuition waiver.

18–21 year olds who left OOHC because they turned 18

Youth 18–21 who left care because they turned 18 are eligible for formal Life Skills classes, a tuition waiver and assistance with room and board.

Youth Participation/Mentoring

The Kentucky Organization for Foster Youth (KOFFY) is a statewide group open to youth currently and formerly in foster care. The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity for former and current foster youth to educate the public and policy makers about the needs of youth in foster care. The group will also seek to change negative stereotypes about foster kids, develop a mentoring program and create a speaker’s bureau of youth. Membership is open to any current or former foster youth, regardless of age. (Contact your regional Independent Living Coordinator for upcoming events.)

The primary goal for independent living services is to provide a youth with those skills necessary for him to live a healthy, productive, self-sufficient and responsible adult life.

The Independent Living Coordinator (ILC) assists the youth or family’s team in addressing the needs of the youth for independent living services. Planning for services requires a clearly stated written plan developed by engaging the youth in setting objectives. Federal legislation requires that the youth participate in developing an independent living plan. An effective plan requires an accurate assessment of the youth’s strengths and needs, taking into account a knowledge of what any young person needs in preparation for independence, and involvement of the youth in his own assessment process.

ILP assists a youth to make the transition from OOHC to self-sufficiency by providing or facilitating services centered on the youth’s needs for:

  • Education;
  • Employment;
  • Health;
  • Housing;
  • Socialization, cultural awareness, and recreation; and
  • Aftercare.