Spotlight on CFCS: Our Independent Living Program
Today, we wanted to shine a light on one of our programs that you may not be familiar with: our Independent Living (IL) program! For over 10 years, the IL program has provided apartments to youth ages 18 to 22 who are aging out of the foster care system and need support before they are totally ready to go out on their own.
The young people who live in our IL apartments have demonstrated the responsibility and life skills needed to live on their own, without group home milieu counselors or foster parents to watch over them 24/7. However, the cost of living in an apartment, especially in the Boston area, can be prohibitive to living successfully on your own, especially if you’re transitioning out of foster care. So we offer the IL program to provide these youth financial and emotional support during this critical transition period, before they “age out” of state care upon their 22nd birthday.
We currently have seven spots for youth in the program, in six apartments; one apartment houses two roommates. All apartments have the same reliable landlord, with whom we’ve enjoyed a friendly relationship over the years. We are growing our program, and now accept referrals for youth in need of IL placements from non-CFCS-affiliated group homes or foster homes.
While living in our community-based apartments, residents receive weekly case management to support their efforts for continuing education and to assist with financial resources. They are connected with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits, United Way funding and financial assistance for a portion of their utility costs, to support their long-term financial stability. They are supported while they actively work on goals such as earning a driver’s license, saving up to buy a car, completing college or post-secondary education and saving for their own apartment. A weekly stipend is awarded to youth after they complete the IL program. This money can be used to assist with their various living costs without State support, and supports the youths’ continued stability.
We also work hard to ensure that youth receive support to strengthen their connections with family and supportive adults who can assist them throughout their lives. We conduct outreach and help bridge communication and connection whenever possible. As they face these challenging transitions into adulthood, it is so important that each youth knows that they matter and they are not alone.
At CFCS, we’ve seen a lot of youth transition out of foster care at age 18. We support youth who stay in our Independent Living program as they make successful transitions of many different kinds, including moving in with family, moving into college dorms or finding long-term, secure housing. Our holistic approach to this program creates a springboard for youth that prepares them to approach their futures with confidence. If you are a DCF provider or referring agency and you’d like to make a referral for a youth who may be right for our program, please email CFCS.FSS@helpfamilies.org today!