Why would “independence” be chosen for a foster youth, instead of adoption or guardianship? 

A permanent family for older foster youth may not be possible, or in the best interests of the youth. Independence can be chosen for a youth over age 15, only after returning home, adoption and guardianship have been ruled out. Sometimes, older youth do not want to be adopted or have a guardian because they are very connected to their own family. Pregnant and/or parenting teens may feel ready to establish their own family living situation. 

Specific guidelines for choosing “independence” for a youth over age 15 are:

• return home, adoption and guardianship have been ruled out; and 
• the youth shows that he or she is capable and willing to care for him or herself, become economically self-sufficient and/or is establishing a family of their own; or 
• a child who has a physical or mental disability demonstrates the ability, capability and willingness to care for themselves with proper support; and 
• the child demonstrates the ability to achieve and maintain progress towards independence through continued cooperation with the service plan; or 
• the court has ordered a permanency goal of independence, where the minor over age 16 will be in substitute care pending emancipation.

What can caregivers do to help transition youth to independent living? 

Youth face many challenges in leaving foster care. Caregivers can help kids make the transition between foster care and being independent less scary and lonely by providing personal help and support to youth in making key personal and educational decisions. Experiences provided in the home can help and support youth in learning skills they will need to live independently. Caregivers can also be helpful in connecting foster youth to agency or DCFS-sponsored support programs and scholarships, as well as other educational or personal supports offered outside the child welfare system. Several PRIDE In-Service training modules are available to caregivers to help them parent teens in foster care. Contact the DCFS Office of Training at www.dcfstraining.org. 

Caregivers can also encourage youth to develop and maintain family relationships. If the young person has siblings in DCFS care, he or she will be included in developing the Visitation and Contact Plan when it is clinically appropriate. The caseworker will assist the youth in connecting with siblings who are not in DCFS care and help obtain transportation for sibling visits.

What services will youth receive from DCFS or the private agency? 

When a youth reaches the age of 14, the DCFS or private agency caseworker will meet with him or her to complete a life skills assessment. The life skills assessment is a tool designed to help caseworkers review a youth’s knowledge and skills related to subjects such as money management, health and safety, job seeking and retention, nutrition, housing, education and similar activities. 

Based on the results of the assessment, a transition plan is developed to guide the youth and the caregiver on what the youth can do to improve knowledge and skills needed to live on her own. This plan becomes part of the youth’s overall client service plan and will be reviewed at future administrative case reviews. 

A wide variety of supportive services are available to youth depending on his or her needs either directly through the department or through a referral to a community resource, including the following:

• Life Skills Class: available for youth who require more structured skills training; generally appropriate for youth aged 16 or older. Some of the areas covered include renting an apartment, seeking legal advice, shopping for the best bargain and choosing a roommate. Decision-making skills are also emphasized;  
• Educational Supports: tutoring, GED preparation, scholarships; 
• Job-related Services: vocational training, job placement, etc.; 
• Recreational Events and Workshops; 
• Support Groups: Youth in Care Network, Youth Advisory Board; and 
• Independent Living Placements: Supervised Independent Living Program, Youth in Transition Program, Youth in College Program.

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