Youth in Independent Living Arrangements, while often viewed as doing well and being capable of living “independently”, need as much, if not more support than youth in other placement types as there is not a resource provider in the young person’s life and many have limited personal connections to rely on in the event they experience a crisis, i.e., financial, health, emotional, etc. Consequently, youth in an ILA placement must have two contacts per month, with at least one of these as a visit in their living environment. This level of contact helps to improve outcomes and successful transition of youth exiting state custody. It is critical that the case manager assist the youth in identifying and accessing resources to enhance the prospects for success in the ILA. Specifically, the case manager, youth, and other family support team members should identify, to the extent possible and appropriate, the following support systems:

• Medical/dental services;
• Educational/vocational training programs/options;
• Employment opportunities;
• Emergency contacts within the agency;
• Family supports;
• Religious supports;
• Community sponsor/mentor; and
• Others as needed.

Related Practice Alerts and Memos:

2-10-20 – CD20-11 – Independent Living Arrangements