Independent Living (IL) and Foster Care Housing Program
WACF supports agencies that provide community-based services to young adults, helping them transition from foster care to self-sufficiency.
Independent Living (IL)
According to the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Public Law 106‑169), participation in the Independent Living (IL) program is voluntary for youth and young adults. The program provides support with education, housing, employment preparation, financial literacy, and essential life skills. IL services are available to youth and young adults ages 15–23 who choose to participate.
DCYF partners with community‑based agencies and federally recognized tribes across the state to deliver these services and help young people build the skills they need for adulthood.
Services may include:
Casey Life Skills Assessment (CLSA)
Daily Living Skills
Support with continued education
Career Exploration
Vocational Training
Help finding a job
Helping establish stable and healthy connections
Foster Care Housing Program
The Foster Care Housing Program is a DCYF-funded program that provides access to housing vouchers, temporary rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management for young people ages 18 through 24.
Services are provided by WACF community-based organizations under contract with DCYF. The goal of the FCHP is to create successful transitions into adulthood by ensuring housing stability upon a young person’s exit from foster care. These services are provided in conjunction with federal housing vouchers provided by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) via the Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI).
