Revision Date: 5-1-2026
This chapter contains the following sections:
5.3 – Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
5.3.1 – Program Goals
5.3.2 – Eligibility
5.3.2.1 – Youth from another State
5.3.2.2 – Youth with Special Needs
5.3.3 – Referral Process
5.3.4 – Youth Assessment
5.4 – Transitional Living Program (TLP)
5.4.1 – Transitional Living Advocate
5.4.1.1 – TLP Advocate Training
5.4.1.2 – TLP Advocate Approval
5.4.1.3 – Advocate Maintenance Payment
5.4.1.4 – Characteristics of the Youth
5.4.2 – Transitional Living Program Group Home (TLG)
5.4.3 – Transitional Living Program Single/Scattered Site Apartments (TLS)
5.5 – Independent Living Arrangement (ILA)
5.5.1 – Criteria for Youth Being Considered for an Independent Living Arrangement
5.5.2 – Independent Living Arrangement Placement Options
5.5.3 – Independent Living Arrangement Support Services/Systems
5.5.4 – Independent Living Arrangement Placement Review Process
5.5.5 – Termination of Independent Living Arrangement
5.6.1 – Credit Checks
5.6.2 – Youth Bank Accounts
5.7 – Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities
5.7.1 – Resources and Supports
5.7.2 – Post-Secondary Visit
5.7.3 – Education and Training Vouchers
5.7.4 – Missouri Reach Tuition Waiver
5.7.5 – Missouri Reach Credential Completion and Employment
5.7.6 – Educational Opportunity for Children of Families Serving in the Military
5.8 – Youth Leadership and Advocacy
5.8.1 – State Youth Advisory Board
5.8.2 – “What’s It All About? A Guidebook for Youth in Out-of-Home Care”
5.8.3 – Foster Care Bill of Rights
5.9.1 – Housing Services – Coordinated Entry System
5.9.2 – Guardianship and Conservatorship
5.9.2.1 – Effects of Guardianship and Conservatorship
5.9.2.2 – Steps to Be Taken
5.11.1 – Referral and Assessment
5.11.2 – Healthcare for Former Foster Care Youth
5.11.3 – Procedural Guidelines for Service Delivery
5.11.4 – Education Financial Assistance and Support
5.11.5 – Timeframes and Exceptions
5.12 – National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
5.13 – ROYALS Case Management Program
5.13.1 ROYALS Youth Eligibility Criteria
5.13.2 ROYALS Referral
5.13.3 ROYALS Services
5.13.4 ROYALS Disenrollment
Overview
This chapter discusses the Older Youth Program and activities and services necessary to support youth between the ages of 14-21 with successful transition from care.