Independent Living Program

Independent living services are designed to help youth 15 to 21 years of age gain the skills necessary for successful transition from out-of-home care to living independently in the community. Youth exiting care at the age of 18 are especially vulnerable to physical and sexual victimization, unemployment and underemployment, homelessness, incarceration and public assistance utilization in higher numbers than youth who had not been placed in the out-of-home care system. Independent living services ensure that all youth placed in out-of-home care receive basic living skills training and are provided ongoing assistance and support upon exiting the system, up to age 21.

The ETV Program is designed to help youth make the transition to self-sufficiency and receive the education, training and services necessary to obtain employment. The Education and Training Vouchers (ETV) Program is a federally funded initiative under the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act to make vouchers for post-secondary education and training available to youths who have aged out of foster care.

Instructions and application materials for the Independent Living Program county-related expenditures are available below.

2012 State County Contract