Agency Responsibilities for Independent Living Programs

Section 401.700  Agency Responsibilities for Independent Living Programs a)         Child welfare agencies may provide independent living services to youth; 1)         Who have been or who are in the out-of-home care system; 2)         Who are homeless or who are transitioning from residential care; 3)         Who are without family resources; 4)         Who need support and assistance coping with developmental disability, physical disability or mental illness. b)         All agency staff who have contact with youth in independent living programs shall have passed the background checks required by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 385 (Background Checks). c)         A child welfare worker shall be assigned to youth in independent living programs and shall meet with the youth at least monthly or otherwise as specified in the service plan. d)         Child welfare agency staff shall work in partnership with the youth in developing a plan for independence and shall include the youth in conferences and meetings during which key decisions or changes to the youth's service plan are discussed. e)         The child welfare agency shall ensure that youth in independent living programs are in safe and adequate housing while participating in the program and have access to adequate health care, educational services, vocational and employment services, and opportunities to acquire life skills and the development of self-esteem.