Independent Living Programs: Research and Recommendations

Research and recommendations about independent living programs and services.

Chafee Independent Living Evaluation Project, 2001-2007
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
An initial evaluability assessment and a 5-year evaluation of selected programs funded through the John Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP).

Connected by 25: A Plan for Investing in Successful Futures for Foster Youth (PDF - 645 KB)
Finance Project (2004)
Reviews the status of youth in the foster care system and describes this program to help youth build a support network, prepare for employment, become involved in the community, and be equipped for parenthood.

Foster Youth: HHS Actions Could Improve Coordination of Services and Monitoring of States' Independent Living Programs: Report to Congressional Requesters (PDF - 1710 KB)
U.S. Government Accountability Office (2004)
Discusses the results from a survey of State coordinators on the impact of the Foster Care Independence Act (FICA) on funding and services provided to youth; investigates efforts to coordinate services and compliance with program accountability requirements; and recommends that HHS standardize plans and reports to ensure consistency.

From Foster Care to Young Adulthood: The Role of Independent Living Programs in Supporting Successful Transitions
Lemon, Hines, & Merdinger
Children and Youth Services Review, 27(3), 2005
View Abstract
Two analyses exploring the potentially beneficial role of programs for youth using data from the Pathways to College study, including implications and recommendations.

Gratified But Not Satisfied on Foster Care Independence (PDF - 472 KB)
Nelson (2001)
Explores the challenges facing foster youth as they transition to independence and profiles nationwide initiatives designed to assist youth in living independently.

Independent Living Program Strategies for the 21st Century: Developing a Comprehensive Adolescent Independent Living Program Plan
Griffin & Carter (2003)
View Abstract
Considerations for establishing adolescent independent living initiatives in compliance with Federal law, and strategies for program development, funding, staffing, youth services, and more. Services for youth with special needs are described.

The Independent Living Program: Today's Challenge
Williams (2001)
In Preparing Youth for Long-Term Success: Proceedings From the Casey Family Program National Independent Living Forum
View Abstract
Identifies the needs of youth transitioning out of foster care and reviews Federal policies intended to support them.

NGA Center for Best Practices, Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care Initiative, National Experts Roundtable, Friday, May 20, 2005 (PDF - 88 KB)
National Governors Association (2005)
Identified key elements and strategies in a comprehensive State system that assists older foster youth in successfully transitioning to adulthood.

On the Frontier of Adulthood: Theory, Research, and Public Policy
Settersten, Furstenberg, & Rumbaut (Eds.) (2005)
View Abstract
Examines the developmental period between adolescence and adulthood; discusses the implications related to social service, culture, and public policy; and recommends substantial investments in education, career development, and family and civic relationships to reduce risks for young people and improve opportunities for success.

Providing Better Opportunities for Older Children in the Child Welfare System
Massinga & Pecora
The Future of Children, 14(1), 2004
Profiles older children in the child welfare system and suggests that programs that draw on community resources, promote a system of care, link children to mentors, and teach them life skills hold promise for improving the lives of these children.

Report to the Congress: Developing a System of Program Accountability Under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2001)
Details the plan to create a National Youth in Transition Information System as a strategy for assessing State compliance with the provisions of the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 by identifying outcome measures and data elements to monitor the number of children receiving services, the types of services being provided, and State performance.

A Review of Literature on Independent Living of Youths in Foster and Residential Care
Loman & Siegel (2000)
View Abstract
Summarizes the characteristics and needs of youth in foster care and the types of independent living services provided by social service agencies, and emphasizes the importance of assessing educational problems and developing plans for additional assistance that can support educational achievement and reduce risk behaviors.

Serving Youth Aging Out of Foster Care (PDF - 141 KB)
Sherman (2004)
Identifies issues and strategies that policymakers should consider when deciding how to use available resources to best serve the needs of youth in their community. Provides examples of innovative practices and contact information for key organizations and information resources.

Supporting Foster Youth to Achieve Employment and Economic Self-Sufficiency (PDF - 93 KB)
National Collaboration on Workforce & Disability for Youth
Highlights the unique characteristics of the young people who leave, or age out, of the system each year and provides strategies for helping them achieve independence, utilizing the Guideposts for Success as a framework for examining the needs of this population.

Transition From Foster Care: A State-By-State Data Base Overview. Executive Summary
Bussey, Feagans, Arnold, & Wulczyn (2000)
View Abstract
Presents findings from a study of data from the Multistate Foster Care Data Archive, the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, and interviews with independent living coordinators in each State to examine the experience of young people and identify gaps in knowledge and services.

Uncertain Futures: Foster Youth in Transition to Adulthood
Mech (2003)
View Abstract
Synthesizes research and practice, describes the development of programs and policies that promote preparation for independent living, reviews trends in program design, and evaluates innovative strategies.

What Works in Independent Living Preparation for Youth in Out-of-Home Care
Noll (2000)
In What Works in Child Welfare
View Abstract
Discusses four strategies for enhancing the self-sufficiency of youth transitioning out of out-of-home care: systematic skills assessment, independent living skills training, involving caregivers as instructors, and developing community relationships.

Where Are We Going Tomorrow: Independent Living Practice
Ansell (2001)
View Abstract
Describes a continuum of services in four phases that range from informal services to self-sufficiency, provided through aftercare services focused on helping youth establish relationships with other people who can help them remain self-sufficient.