Independent Living

Scattered-site housing

What is Independent Living (IL)?

Housing and Readiness Program for Young Adults in Care

An estimated 20 percent of young adults who are in care become homeless the moment they’re emancipated at the age of 18. Boys & Girls Haven’s IL Program provides a safety net and strong emotional support system for young people who are transitioning out of foster care into self-sufficiency.

Girls and boys aged 18–21 years with a high school diploma or GED are eligible.

Our scattered-site IL program allows young adults to pursue education and a career path in an apartment in the community paired with a supportive environment on the journey from foster care to adulthood.

Requirements

This program has a higher readiness threshold than Supervised Independent Living (SIL). A youth under 18 cannot be placed in scattered-site IL.

DCBS’s Independent Living Readiness Checklist says the decision to transition a youth to scattered-site IL is ultimately at the discretion of the social worker, and the worker should consider whether the youth:

Is at least 18.
Has earned a high school diploma or GED.
Is compliant with working and/or attending school.
Can perform basic life skills such as cooking, housekeeping, safety and sanitation.
Has completed the IL curriculum and received the incentive.
Has been stable in the current placement for at least 3 months.
Is not currently in a residential placement (or appropriate step-down options have been considered).
Can self-administer medication and manage mental/physical healthcare needs.
Has established an iFoster account/digital locker for vital documents.
Has completed a career assessment.
Has a state ID, original Social Security card and birth certificate.
Has signed the Transitional Living Agreement.

Case Manager

Individualized assessments, coaching, career exposure, and access to a funnel of internships, apprenticeships, and job placements. Banking and budgeting support.