Independent Living Arrangements (ILA) should be the planned placement for youth in out-of-home care and should never be used when a more appropriate placement resource is available for the youth. The payment of $396.00 for monthly maintenance is made directly to the youth when they are in an ILA placement. Prior to placement of a youth, appropriate County Children’s Services staff or contracted case agency staff must approve the suitability of the residence. Staff shall use the TLP Advocate and Independent Living Arrangement (ILA) Checklist, CS-TLP-1, which provides a procedure for documenting health and safety requirements specific to an older adolescent placed in an ILA. The CS-TLP-1 should be completed every time a youth moves to a new ILA.
Criteria for an ILA are as follows:
- Youth is at least 17 years of age;
- Youth is under court jurisdiction and in the care and custody of the Children’s Division;
- There is no likelihood of reunification with parent/legal guardian;
- The youth does not want to be adopted;
- The case manager has consulted with the FST and a plan has been completed that specifies how the youth will live;
- Youth is enrolled and participating actively in the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program;
- Youth is able to demonstrate competency in life skills;
- Youth is able to manage his/her own finances and live independently;
- Youth has demonstrated responsible conduct for at least 12 months:
- No criminal law violations;
- If applicable, school performance is equal to youth’s capabilities; and
- Responsible money management.
- Youth is attending an educational or vocational school regularly to the satisfaction of school officials and is gainfully employed; and
- Youth has assisted or developed their plan for independent living.