Section 100. Providing independent living services

A. Independent living services shall be identified by the youth; foster, adoptive or resource family; local department; service providers; legal community; and other interested individuals and shall be included in the service plan. Input from the youth in assembling these individuals and developing the services is required.

B. Independent living services may be provided to all youth ages 14 to 18 and may be provided until the youth reaches age 21.

C. The child-placing agency may offer a program of independent living services that meets the youth's needs such as education, vocational training, employment, mental and physical health services, transportation, housing, financial support, daily living skills, counseling, and development of permanent connections with adults.

D. Child-placing agencies shall assess the youth's independent living skills and needs in accordance with guidance in the service delivery section of the Foster Care Manual and incorporate the assessment results into the youth's service plan.

E. A youth placed in foster care before the age of 18 may continue to receive independent living services from the child-placing agency between the ages of 18 and 21 if:

1. The youth is making progress in an educational or vocational program, has employment, or is in a treatment or training program; and

2. The youth agrees to participate with the local department in (i) developing a service agreement and (ii) signing the service agreement. The service agreement shall require, at a minimum, that the youth's living arrangement shall be approved by the local department and that the youth shall cooperate with all services; or

3. The youth is in permanent foster care and is making progress in an educational or vocational program, has employment, or is in a treatment or training program.

F. A youth age 16 and older is eligible to live in an independent living arrangement provided the child-placing agency utilizes the independent living arrangement placement criteria developed by the department to determine that such an arrangement is in the youth's best interest. An eligible youth may receive an independent living stipend to assist him with the costs of maintenance. The eligibility criteria for receiving an independent living stipend will be developed by the department.

G. Any person who was committed or entrusted to a child-placing agency and chooses to discontinue receiving independent living services after age 18 but prior to his 21st birthday may request a resumption of independent living services in accordance with § 63.2-905.1 of the Code of Virginia.

H. Child-placing agencies shall assist eligible youth in applying for educational and vocational financial assistance. Educational and vocational specific funding sources shall be used prior to using other sources.

I. Every six months a supervisory review of service plans for youth receiving independent living services after age 18 shall be conducted to assure the effectiveness of service provision.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 02, eff. November 1, 2012.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-900 of the Code of Virginia.