Develop and implement an array of supported statewide housing for young people ages 16-20 years with living unit configurations tailored to the needs of youth, including; 24/7 staffing who provide culturally responsive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and trauma-informed support and training in independent living skills, transportation for participants to stay connected to their friends and families, and crisis response that includes intensive case management.
The work to explore and develop an EAHP range of programs is part of the overarching work DCYF is doing to address the housing support needs of young people in foster care throughout the state who may be at risk of homelessness, and any who would prefer to live more independently, rather than in a family setting, as they exit care and transition into adulthood.
Adolescent Transitional Living Program (ATLP)
The Adolescent Transitional Living Program (ATLP) provides transitional living services to dependent youth ages 16 to 21 with the goal of helping them make a successful transition into adulthood by promoting autonomy and independence while in the program. Young people must enter prior to their 18th birthday but can remain until their 21st birthday if in Extended Foster Care (EFC).
ATLP services include placement in licensed staffed residential homes. Young people develop individualized service plans to support the development of independent living skills, plans for stable housing, education and career goals, as well as physical and mental wellbeing based on assessed needs and desired goals. ATLP participation is completely voluntary.
To be eligible the young person must be dependent, have no other suitable placement identified, not be court ordered to involuntary treatment, and not be eligible for or had a recent stay in a Children’s Long Term Inpatient Program (CLIP), Residential Habilitation Center (RHC), or State Operated Living Alternative (SOLA) facility.
Services are provided by community-based organizations under contract with DCYF. The youth’s caseworker makes written referrals to the provider for a young people interested in the program. Once a referral is made, the provider will follow up with the caseworker regarding the referral, appropriate screening processes, and set up a time for a shared planning meeting to discuss the youth’s desire to participate and make a final determination regarding admission to the program.
Responsible Living Skills Program (RLSP)
The Responsible Living Skills Program (RLSP) provides transitional living services to dependent youth ages 16 to 18 who have been unable to live in their legally authorized residence, and as a result, lived outdoors or in another unsafe location not intended for occupancy by a minor.
RLSP services include placement in a licensed group home. The program philosophy, structure, and treatment planning emphasize the achievement of independent living skills. A baseline assessment of the youth’s competency in basic independent living skills is completed at entry. Individualized service plans are then developed with each youth to help them progress.
To be eligible the young person must be dependent and not have a court ordered plan that includes a return home or family reunification. Preference is given to dependent youth who’ve had a recent placement in a HOPE Center or Crisis Residential Center (CRC) facility.
The youth’s caseworker will determine if an RLSP placement is the most appropriate placement given the youth's needs, youth must agree to participate and cannot exhibit any behaviors that would hinder them from the goals of the program or impact the safety of others.
Emerging Adult Housing Programs (EAHP) Workgroup
The Emerging Adult Housing Programs (EAHP) Workgroup has been steadily advancing its mission through a series of focused and collaborative efforts, meeting twice a month to ensure consistent progress.
The workgroup is committed to addressing the unique needs of youth aged 16-17 as they prepare for the transition to independence. Discussions have centered around:
- Identifying the most pressing challenges this age group faces, particularly in mental health, housing, and education.
- Exploring ways to structure services that support increasing autonomy while maintaining a critical safety net.
- Pinpointing essential life skills that should be prioritized in programming to ensure a smooth and successful transition into adulthood.
Next Steps
Looking forward, the EAHP Workgroup has outlined several key objectives to shape the future of services and supports:
- Policy and Licensing Updates:
- Evaluate necessary changes to contracts and WACs to align facility licensing with program needs.
- Revise WACs to enable normal adolescent experiences, fostering developmentally appropriate growth.
- Program and Service Expansion:
- Broaden the reach of the Responsible Living Skills Program (RLSP) and integrate RLSP youth into Extended Foster Care.
- Explore the feasibility of reintroducing Adolescent Units as part of the placement continuum.
- Youth-Centered Input:
- Conduct surveys to directly gather insights from youth about program strengths and areas for improvement.
- Training and Best Practices:
- Develop training initiatives for child welfare staff, providers, and caregivers, focusing on Positive Youth Development and the specialized needs of adolescents.
- Evaluate recommendations from the Group Care Interim Workgroup and adapt successful models from similar frameworks.
With these priorities, the workgroup continues to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive system that empowers youth on their journey to independence while fostering resilience and connection.