Independent Living Services
At Kids Central, we work to help youth and young adults build a strong foundation for their lives. Our Independent Living and Extended Foster Care provide young adults with the life skills and services that they need to make a successful transition to the responsibilities of adulthood.
Kids Central and its partners provide Independent Living services to youth and young adults in the foster care system. These services prepare the youth for adulthood and life after foster care. For youth aging out of the system (those turning 18 years old without returning to the care of their parents or being adopted), it is a requirement to have the basic life skills to function successfully on their own. Training includes but is not limited to: financial literacy training, household management, educational and career planning.
Each year youth age out of foster care without reunification or finding a permanent home. Rather than leave these children cut-off and alone, Kids Central taps state, federal community and donated resources to provide them with critical tools for a successful transition to adulthood. Once a youth ages-out of the foster care system, there are several services that he or she can access if certain requirements are met. These services include transportation, housing, and housing assistance, as well as emotional support.
Following 2014 legislation to improve the opportunities for success of foster care youth, youth turning 18 years old may continue to remain in extended foster care until the age of 21. As long as the youth is making progress toward an agreed-upon plan, whether that is to continue their education or obtain a job, or participate in a program designed to give them job skills, the youth are welcome to stay in foster care beyond their 18th birthday. Kids Central has identified host homes to provide extended foster care services to these youths.
For more information on our IL program, please contact IndependentLiving@kidscentralinc.org
