Independent Living services are designed to prepare foster-care youth to become proficient in daily living skills that include money management, employment skills, food preparation and all other vital skills that will enable them to become self-sufficient adults. These independent living skills are taught by professional staffs at multiple agencies under the direction of Family Support Services Independent Living department.
Upon reaching their 18th birthday, these young adults become eligible to participate in one of four programs : Road-to Independence Scholarship, Educational Training Vouchers, Transitional Support Services or Subsidized Independent Living. Furthermore, all young adults have access to Aftercare Support Services to assist them with emergency funds if requested.
Road-to-Independence Scholarship Program is intended to assist eligible students who are former foster children in the State of Florida in receiving the educational and vocational training needed to achieve independence. Some key requirements include: must be 18 years old, have earned a standard high school diploma or equivalent, enrolled in an accredited high school or adult education program full-time and meeting that institution’s “satisfactory progress” requirements.
Education Training Vouchers Program is funding available for eligible students formerly in foster care in the State of Florida for the purpose of assisting them attain their educational goals at an institution of higher education( i.e. university or college). Some key requirements include: must be 18 years old, must be enrolled part or full-time at an institution of higher education and be making “satisfactory progress” as set by each institution.
Transitional Support Services Program is a short-term 90 day program that assists young adults formerly in foster care in the State of Florida with financial, housing, employment, education, mental health, counseling, disability and other vital services. These funds are available once the young adult has demonstrated that they are critical to their efforts at achieving self-sufficiency, independence and development of a personal support system.
Subsidized Independent Living is a program for deserving youth ages 16 or 17 that have demonstrated a level of personal responsibility and proficiency in independent living skills that enable them to be placed in a unlicensed living arrangement. Some key requirements include: must be enrolled full-time in an accredited educational program making satisfactory progress, employed part-time or involved in appropriate extra-curricular activities.
Aftercare Support Services Program is a program that provides additional financial funds for various services that the eligible young adult demonstrates is critical to their development of skills and abilities necessary for independent living. These services include: mentoring/tutoring, mental health/ substance abuse counseling, life skills classes, parenting classes, job skills, housing and temporary financial assistance.
For more information on Independent Living Services, please contact us.