ILP SERVICES MENU/QUICK NOTES
Q. What is ILP?
A. ILP means ‘Independent Living Program’. It is a federally funded Program that can offer supplemental services and/or funds for eligible DCFS/Probation foster youth or former foster youth.
Q. Who is eligible for ILP?
A. Youth ages 16 up to 21 that were/are in foster care at any time from their 16th to 19th birthday. Foster care is defined as “24-hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the State agency has placement and care responsibility. This includes, but is not limited to, placements in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, child care institutions, and preadoptive homes….”
Q. What else is available?
A. Youth ages 14 and 15 years of age are eligible for educational assessments and tutoring services as needed. This is the only service available for youth under age 16. Participation does not result in automatic ILP eligibility.
Q. What does ILP offer?
A. From age 16 up to 21, ILP-eligible youth are able to attend ILP classes at a community college or an Enhancement Program near his/her home. Transportation and food may be provided. Youth may also be eligible for:
- Fees for College Preparation Tests (ACT, SAT); (only if no waiver is issued);
- Transportation, housing, food and registration fees at an approved young adult conference (e.g. Bridges to Independence)
Pre-Transition-age Youth
High School Seniors that provide proof from their school counselors that they will graduate on time can request ILP assistance for graduation expenses (cap & gown, photos, yearbook, class ring, prom tickets, grad night ticket etc.). Pre-emancipated youth may be eligible for other educational benefits.
Celebration I is a graduation ceremony comprised of ILP-eligible youth that have a 2.8 overall GPA or above. The participants are provided clothing, make-up and/or hair care. The celebration is an opportunity for youth to be recognized for their academic achievements, meet other foster youth and be awarded scholarships while enjoying words of encouragement from speakers, celebrities, and politicians. Transportation is provided.
Celebration II is a day of fun in honor of high school graduates that graduate from high school or complete the equivalent by August of the current year. The youth receives free admission to the event (e. g. Universal Studios), free transportation, food and possible gifts and scholarship awards.
Transition-age Youth/18 up to 21 years of age ( housing services are available up to age 24)
Auto Insurance; Education funds (tuition, books, supplies, school-related fees, parking, transp.); Life Skills and vocational training; Clothing funds (work uniforms, interview clothing); Access to housing programs; Room & Board (move-in costs, appliances, up to 6 months rental assistance, No subleasing); Apartment Start-Up costs (up to $300.00 to purchase sheets, towels, silverware, etc…); Assistance with food costs; Transportation (standard price for bus pass/gas, 3 month periods as needed); Funding for non-covered health-related costs.
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