Can an agency provide an independent living program for a child in care under 18?

• A. Yes, for any child under 18
• B. No, an independent living program may not be provided for a child in care under 18
• C. Yes, but only with licensing for 18 or older
• D. Only for 17-year-olds with consent

Answer: (B)

Independent living services are intended to help youth who are aging out of foster care acquire the practical skills they’ll need to live independently as adults. Those services are designed for older youth, typically around 18 or older, to support the transition out of state care. For a child who is under 18, the focus remains on safety, permanency, and development within the care system, not on an independent living program. Because of that, an independent living program isn’t provided to someone under 18. If younger children need life-skills development, the agency uses other supports tied to the ongoing case plan, rather than an ILP.