Transitional Living Program

Washington State’s Transitional Living services are for youth ages 18-21 who turned 18 while they were still in state or tribal foster care and are trying to make it on their own.

The TL program provides services to young adults to help them succeed; these services can include:

  • Educational services including everything from learning to read to getting ready for and getting into a college or training program.
  • Finding what kinds of jobs are out there, applying for jobs, and doing well in interviews.
  • One-on-one counseling and help getting the skills needed to live on their own such as:
    • How to manage money.
    • How to take care of their place.
    • How to make smart spending decisions and what to do if they get into money trouble.
    • What to do if they have a child and how to be a good parent.
    • Where to go if they need to see a doctor or dentist.
    • Where to go in their community to socialize and find support.
    • How to find and keep safe housing.

Youth can get Transitional Living Services through classes and workshops and through local agencies who can work with them one-on-one.

Eligibility Criteria for Transitional Living Skills

  1. Young adult ages 18 up to 21 who are current or former foster youth from state or tribal out of home care and

  2. Young adult was in foster care in an established dependency action through DCYF or a tribal child welfare agency for at least 30 days after their 15th birthday.

Youth must meet all of the following criteria to receive Transitional Living funds:

  1. Youth is no longer in foster care at the time of any payment for housing costs;
  2. Youth meets one or more of the following employment or educational requirements:
    • Has a source of income; or
    • Has documented proof of actively seeking employment; or
    • Is involved in an educational program.
  3. Youth participates directly in developing the service plan and accepts personal responsibility for achieving independence.
  4. Youth has submitted an application and statement of need, which have been approved by the DCFS Regional ILS Program Manager and/or the contracted service provider.
  5. Youth was eligible for ILS services at time of transition from foster care.

Program Manager

Peggy Lewis
Lopp300@dshs.wa.gov
360-902-8063