Supporting Youth Transition to Adulthood Transfer of Learning Resources: Independent Living

Use these resources to learn basics about independent living and key points of contact across the state:

• Department of Children and Families Independent Living website: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cwportal/il
• Tribal and County Child Welfare Independent Living points of contact: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/map/il
• Transition Resource Agency (IL-TRA) Independent Living points of contact: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/map/il-r

Use these resources to explore Federal and State laws that reinforce the independent living requirements:

• Federal laws:
  • Chafee Act
  • Specific to transition planning:
    • Section 202 of https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-110publ351/pdf/PLAW-110publ351.pdf; and
    • Section H of https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title04/0475.htm
  • State laws:
    • 48.385(1)
    • 938.385(1)
  • Wisconsin’s Ongoing Service Standards (search out Independent Living): https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/policy/pdf/ongoing-services-standards.pdf

Use this resource to learn more about youth placements in out-of-home care in Wisconsin. This resource is intended for young adults in care, but is a valuable resource for the workforce, too:

• A Guide for Youth in Out-of-Home Care Placements in Wisconsin: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/405.pdf

Use these resources to learn more about independent living areas of focus and Child Welfare Agency Professionals’ and the Transition Resource Agency Professionals’ related tasks and roles:

• Independent Living Roles and Responsibilities: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/il/pdf/il-roles.pdf
• Roadmap to Independent Living: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/il/pdf/il-roadmap.pdf

Use this resource to learn more about Independent Living services eligibility:

• Independent Living Eligibility Guide: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/il/pdf/il-eligibility.pdf

Use this resource to learn more about extended out-of-home care in Wisconsin:

• What is Extended Out-of-Home Care?: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5627.pdf

Use this resource to guide you in completing the Independent Living Assessment and Plan requirements:

• Independent Living Assessment and Plan – Quick Reference Desk Guide for Child Welfare Agencies: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5951.pdf

Use these resources to help guide your work on the Independent Living Transition to Discharge Plan (ILTD):

• Independent Living Transition to Discharge (ILTD) Plan – Quick Reference Desk Guide for Child Welfare Agencies (CWAs): https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5846.pdf
• Independent Living Transition to Discharge (ILTD) Plan Writing Guide: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/publications/pdf/5844.pdf

Use this resource for more information on the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) federal requirement:

• https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ys/nytd

Use this resource for more information on Positive Youth Development (PYD):

• https://acf.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fysb/whatispyd20120829.pdf

Use this resource for information on paying for college and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• Youth Services Paying for College: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ys/college
• Federal Student Aid website: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency

Reach out to the DCF Independent Living Coordinator (DCFILCoordinator@wisconsin.gov) for IL assistance/guidance, including, but not limited to:

• Consultation about how eligibility may be impacted by a youth missing from care or in trial reunification at age 18
• Resource suggestions and requests
• Obtain copy of DCF’s Out-of-Home Care Verification letter template
• General IL questions, feedback, consultation, etc.