Independent
Living for
Children in Out-of-Home Care
Program Description
The federal John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 (Act)
outlines requirements and provides funding to help identify and meet the
needs of youth in care eligible for independent living services. The
Chaffee Act was later amended to include the Education and Training
Vouchers Program, which emphasizes post-secondary education and training
for former foster care youth. In Wisconsin independent living services
for youth in out-of-home care and youth returning to the community upon
exiting care are provided by 71 counties, 3 tribes, the Bureau of
Milwaukee Child Welfare and Department of Corrections. Services may include, but are not limited to, training and
assistance in:
- Basic living skills (e.g., money management, cooking, decision
making, etc.)
- Job seeking, work experience and employment
- Obtaining high school diplomas and higher education
- Financial self-sufficiency
- Access to and knowledge of local resources (e.g., human service
agencies, medical and mental health facilities, food pantries, etc.)
- Obtaining safe and stable living environments
Contact Information
Last Revised: June 16, 2008 |