SOP 7E.6.1

R. 8/1/03

R. 8/15/09

PROCESS OVERVIEW FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING

COA STANDARDS:

  • S23.4.03-.05

LEGAL AUTHORITY:

  • KRS 620.140
  • 922 KAR 1:310, Standards for child-placing agencies
  • CFR Title 45, Chapter XIII, Part 1355.25
  • 42 USC 677: Chafee Foster Care
  • P.L. 110-351

PROCEDURE:

  1. If a youth is age twelve (12) to fifteen (15), the caregiver provides training in “soft” skills such as household tasks, budgeting, education, anger management and problem solving.
  2. If a youth is age sixteen (16) or over, independent living skills classes based on a standardized assessment, curriculum and documentation are provided by the SSW, regional Independent Living Coordinator (ILC), or other resource.
  3. The SSW refers committed youth age sixteen (16) to twenty-one (21), and those youths who request assistance following release from commitment to the Independent Living Program by contacting the ILC.
  4. The referral to the ILC, and the child’s Independent Living Services Plan (developed using the Tip Sheet for Youth Transitioning Through Foster Care) should be included on the Child/Youth Action Plan that is prepared during an initial Case Planning Conference.
  5. Within forty-five (45) days of the youth reaching age seventeen (17), the SSW ensures the youth completes a Transition Plan.

(a)For all youth ages seventeen (17) or over, the Transition Plan is reviewed in the case planning conference and thereafter at subsequent Periodic Reviews.

(b)Youth should be supported in making well informed decisions about their future, transition to adulthood, well-being, and other aspects of their case and permanency planning. (Link to SOP 7C.7.2)

  1. The SSW notifies the ILC of Periodic Reviews for the child.
  2. Independent living services may include:

(a)Facilitating and supporting a youth in his attempts to obtain a high school diploma or GED;

(b)Providing guidance with career exploration, vocational training, job placement and retention;

(c)Training a youth in daily living skills;

(d)Budgeting and financial management skills;

(e)Providing personal and emotional support, either directly or through referral to another agency; and

(f)Providing preventive health activities such as smoking avoidance, nutrition education, substance abuse and sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy prevention.

1.Prior to transition of a youth from OOHC to employment, education or other setting, the SSW provides the youth with the following items (when available):

(a)Social security card;

(b)Information about the youth’s personal and family health, including a list of health care providers;

(c)Original birth certificate;

(d)Death certificate(s) of parents, as appropriate;

(e)Pictures or Lifebook;

(f)List of all schools attended;

(g)Information about the youth’s educational history; and

(h)List of all previous placements, including names and addresses.

2.The SSW or ILC are encouraged to provide the youth a packet of information starter kit, which might includes the following:

(a)List of health care providers located near the youth’s residence;

(b)List of emergency phone numbers for crisis hotlines, police, fire, medical emergency and drug/poison center;

(c)Medical card (if available);

(d)Employment resume, based on the youth’s part- or full-time employment;

(e)Letters of reference to future employers;

(f)List of counseling services; and

(g)List of contact persons who can help with employment, vocational training and the Cabinet’s aftercare services.

3.The SSW may consider a special request for basic living items, e.g. iron, bedspread, dishes, rent and utility deposits. This request is not to exceed $250 and requires the approval of the SRA or designee.

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