Related Resources: Independent Living Programs and Services

General resources with information about independent living programs and services, including casework with youth, life skills assessment, and other elements of independent living programs.

Assessing and Contracting With Youth
Griffin & Carter (Eds.) (2004)
View Abstract
Provides sample forms for assessing youth and evaluating independent living programs.

Casey Life Skills
Casey Family Programs (2005)
Provides links to the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessments that provide an age-appropriate analysis of competencies necessary for independent living and free evaluations that review career planning, communication, daily living, home life, housing and money management, self care, social relationships, work life, and study habits.

A Competency Model for Adolescent Caseworkers: Partnering With Youth as They Transition to Independence (PDF - 177 KB)
Bernotavicz, Barthelman, Zanghi, & Jacobus (2001)
Lays the foundation for caseworkers who specialize in working with adolescents in the child welfare system.

Fostering Interdependence: A Family-Centered Approach to Help Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Jensen
Whittier Journal of Child and Family Advocacy, 3(2), 2004
View Abstract
Discusses how agencies can use this approach to help adolescents transition to interdependence, rather than independence. Analyzes both the current and proposed approaches, and evaluates and critiques the family-centered approach.

It's My Life: A Framework for Youth Transitioning From Foster Care to Successful Adulthood
Casey Family Programs (2002)
Describes services and practices that will contribute to seven domains of independent living: identity formation, community connections and supportive relationships, physical and mental health, life skills, education, employment, and housing.

Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative
A national foundation whose mission is to help youth in foster care make successful transitions to adulthood.

Journal of Youth Development
This multidisciplinary applied research and practice on-line journal focuses on the development of school-aged youth through the transition to adulthood (ages 6-22).

Moving Youth From Risk to Opportunity: A Resource Guide to the 2004 Kids Count Data Book and Essay (PDF - 144 KB)
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2004)
Describes promising programs and publications about helping disconnected youth without degrees or employment successfully transition to adulthood.

Opportunity Passports for Youth in Transition From Foster Care: A Vision Statement
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2002)
View Abstract
Describes an initiative that aims to improve support for youth by promoting community partnerships, as well as a variety of activities to attract youth.

Orphan Foundation of America
Provides opportunities for foster youth to continue their education, in order to increase awareness of the number and plight of older teens leaving care; support these teens; and offer direct opportunities for citizens, businesses, and civic organizations to assist older youth.

Program Instructions Related to Independent Living
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
These issuances clarify and explain procedures and methods for operationalizing program policies, add details to program regulations or policy requirements, and convey to grantees program guidance on actions they are expected or required to take.

Promising Practices: How Foster Parents Can Support the Successful Transition of Youth From Foster Care to Self-Sufficiency (PDF - 696 KB)
Zanghi, Detgen, Jordan, Ansell, & Kessler (2003)
A guide to the foster care system that synthesizes the experiences of youth, agencies, and foster parents and reflects on promising practices and related practice criteria.

Promising Practices: Supporting Transition of Youth Served by the Foster Care System
Sheehy, Oldham, Zanghi, Ansell, & Correia (2001)
Findings from a survey of 98 independent living programs for youth in foster care to determine the utilization of practices identified as important for successful outcomes.
(PDF - 1380 KB)

State by State Fact Pages
National Child Welfare Resource Center for Youth Development
Information on State coordinators, administration of Chafee dollars, services for youth over age 18, and more.

Strategies, Outcomes, and Investments
Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative (2001)
View Abstract
Outlines the goals of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, the community strategies, and milestones identified for each priority area, including youth engagement in service planning; research and communication about what services are needed for independent living; partnerships to combine resources; and advocacy for greater support within local, State, and Federal policies.

Youth Services and Positive Youth Development
Child Welfare League of America
Programs, services, and supports for youth and young adults, especially those involved in the child welfare system.