The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 changed the name of the Independent Living Program (ILP) to CFCIP.  The Act provides for the provision of services to youth who left Out-of-Home care at age eighteen (18) or after and have not yet reached their twenty-first birthday (21). 

The Division recognizes the need to address the struggles youth face when leaving Out-of-Home care on their road to self-sufficiency.  As young adults they face many life challenges and often have little or no support in their endeavors.  The Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 enhances the Division's ability to meet those needs and to provide services to this growing population of young adults as they travel the road to independence. 

CFCIP Crisis Intervention Funds are meant to be flexible and short term in order to meet the needs of the youth.  It is expected that a ninety (90) day time frame or less will be used in order to stabilize the youth and allow them to continue to be self-sufficient.  The funds may be expended for a variety of reasons and should be used as a support for the youth, not an on-going supplemental funding source.  Expenditures may include, but should not be limited to:  food, auto repairs, housing assistance, utility payments, and health related services.

The in-kind services and/or funds paid directly to third party vendors will not be counted on a food stamp, MC+/Medicaid or Temporary Assistance budget.  The CFCIP funds can be used for services that are not funded by existing Income Maintenance programs. 

Referrals will be made to Children Services by Income Maintenance staff at the time of application for Temporary Assistance, Food Stamps or MC+/Medicaid.  Each county needs to develop a plan for how staff will process these referrals.  Referrals may be made to the Independent Living worker, the Children Service intake worker, the Children Service supervisor, or in some cases, the County Director.  It is important that the referral be made before the youth leaves the county office.

An Independent Living Program Specialist or children services staff will assess the needs of the youth and develop a plan with the youth that is realistic and supports their efforts to become self-sufficient.  Administrative Agents will be identified in each Area to administer these funds upon the request of the ILP Specialist.  The Self-Sufficiency case manager will coordinate a plan with the ILP Specialist, if the youth is a parent that is eligible for Temporary Assistance.

Any questions concerning this program can be directed to Debbie Bower of the Temporary Assistance Unit in Central Office, 573/751-9488.

• Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

 
• Devise a referral process in each county from Income Maintenance staff to Children Service staff.