Independent Living Skills

The Independent Living Skills Program (ILS) provides basic life skills and support to youth who are, or have been in foster or group care. The program is designed to enhance the youth's ability to live independently.

Services are available to youth 16-21 years of age who are in foster or group care at least sixty days after their 16th birthday. Applicants may be referred by a DCFS social worker, other social or mental health care professionals, or by self-referral. ILS provides weekly support groups and one-on-one case management.

ILS focuses on the youth's ability to participate in his/her own goal-setting, and life skills development. Some of those skills are money management, apartment living, health care, transportation, self esteem and decision making. Support services are also available for work clothing, state I.D., and miscellaneous employment/educational expenses. Perhaps just as important, the groups provide peer support and a safe forum for sharing. All combine to enhance the youth's ability to live independently.

Once youth have exited foster care, they are eligible for monetary funds. Transitional Living Services provides financial support for youth moving into an apartment or additional living costs. We can also help you access Education and Training Vouchers, which provides up to $5,000 for post-secondary education.

The Independent Living Skills program is provided free of charge to the youth.

Weekly Events Schedule

Olympia Group (youth in/out of foster care)
Wednesdays at CYS, 5:30-7:30pm

Shelton Group (youth in/out of foster care)
Call for details

Centralia Group (youth in/out of foster care)
Thursday at Centralia Community College, 4-5:30pm

For additional information and referral contact Brian Hatcher at 943-0780 ext. 137 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.

Resources

Participant Resource Website

Social Worker Referral Form

Washington State ILS Website