Independent Living Arrangements 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. Although licensure is not involved, the safety and wellbeing of a youth must be ensured. Youth in an ILA should be able to demonstrate competency in life skills, mange his/her own finances, demonstrate responsible conduct, and are attending school and or working. The payment of $402.00 for monthly maintenance is made directly to the youth when they are in an ILA placement. 

Criteria for an ILA are as follows:

• Youth is at least 18 years of age; Youth under the age of 18 are not allowed to enter into a lease agreement in Missouri, which is vital to provide housing stability. Youth who are age 17 may be considered for an ILA if the youth has obtained their high school diploma or HiSet. Youth who are still attending high school are typically not able to focus on the demands of sustaining an ILA residence thus they should be referred to the Transitional Living Program instead.
• 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;
• Relative care has been explored and is not an option for the youth;
• 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; a community agency provider is not overseeing the placement.
• Youth has demonstrated responsible conduct for at least 6 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.

Related Practice Alerts and Memos:

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