INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES
Independent Living Services is provided to youth currently in foster care beginning at age 13 and continuing through age 23. Youths, ages 13-17, currently in foster care are assigned a Primary Case Manager who assures integration of all services provided to the youth.
At age 16, youth currently in licensed foster care are assigned IL Case Manager who coordinates delivery of individualized life skills services based on the child’s strengths and areas of needs.
Young adults formerly in licensed foster care are assigned an IL Case Manager who provides support in accessing community resources, completing EFC, PESS and Aftercare applications, navigating the educational system, exploring scholarships and grants, and amongst other traditional case management responsibilities, facilitates training on a variety of topics to expound upon developmental and skill building information and activities previously delivered while in foster care.
The Primary Case Manager completes an initial life skills assessment and transition plan with the foster youth. The youth and primary case manager will discuss how the youth can reach their educational, career, and independence goals. If eligible, at age 15, the Primary Case Manager will complete a referral for the youth to participate in the Keys to Independence program, which includes receiving assistance to obtain a driver’s permit and license, participate in driver’s education, and get care insurance.
Within 180 days of the foster youth’s 16th birthday, if eligible, the Primary Case Manager completes a referral to Camelot Independent Living Services (ILS subcontracted provider) and an IL Case Manager is assigned. The youth and the IL Case Manager work together to complete an assessment that identifies the youth’s areas of strength and those that require strengthening. An individualized plan is established that specifies goals and objectives to achieve educational and developmental tasks.
Youths are encouraged to participate in field trips that are geared towards social development and life skills workshops on financial literacy, time management, interpersonal relationships, stress management, sex awareness, parenting skills, health and hygiene, etc. Experts from within the topic being discussed serve as co-presenters; this may include young adults formerly in foster care.
