The IL program is a voluntary program for youth ages 15 through 22 who are or were in foster care with DCYF or a tribal court. The program is open to all youth who meet the eligibility requirements below. Youth can be anywhere on the spectrum of transitioning to adulthood. DCYF contracts with local community-based agencies and federally recognized tribes throughout the state to provide independent living skills.
Services may include:
- Casey Life Skills Assessment (CLSA)
- Daily Living Skills
- Educational Support
- Career Exploration
- Vocational Training
- Employment Assistance
- Helping to establish stable and healthy connections
Eligibility
Youth are eligible for the IL program if they are/were age 15-17 in an established dependency through DCYF or a tribal child welfare agency and in an out-of-home foster care placement for at least 30 days between ages 15 to 18th birthday. Once initial eligibility is determined, the youth will continue to be eligible.
If a youth enters a permanent plan (returns home, Title 13 guardianship, etc.) after meeting the criteria of eligibility, they continue to be eligible for services from the IL program.
Youth are not eligible if:
- Youth returned home, was adopted, or in guardianship before age 15 (with an out-of-home placement for at least 30 days)
- Youth is under the age of 18 and in a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA)
- Youth is under a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petition
- Youth is placed in a Juvenile Rehabilitation locked 24-hour facility
- Youth is not a U.S. citizen
Important Dates
Youth can self-refer themselves for services from age 15 up to their 23rd birthday.
How to Apply
For dependent youth, the caseworker completes the referral form in FamLink and submits the form to ILSKIDS@dcyf.wa.gov.
Non-dependent youth or youth who were dependent through a Public Child Welfare Agency or Tribal Court in another state can self-refer themselves by contacting their local IL provider or emailing their request to ILSKIDS@dcyf.wa.gov.
Independent Living Coordinator and Provider Contact Information
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