Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

3FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSFOR FOSTER YOUTHTRANSITIONING TO ADULTHOODFLORIDA'S CHILDREN FIRST, INC.General QuestionsGENERAL QUESTIONS1. Do I have any rights? What are they?Youth in state care have many legal rights that come from state and federal laws and Constitutions. The Department of Children andFamilies has created a list of your rights and what you can expect from the Department.Your community based care agency (CBC)caseworker is required to provide you with a copy of that document.2. What is the “Independent Living Program” and how do I find out about it?The Independent Living Program provides services to youth in foster care and young adults who were formerly in foster care. Theobjective of the program is to assist you with obtaining the life skills and education necessary to become self-sufficient, live independentlyand maintain employment. The services include life skills training and financial, educational and social support. Examples of such servicesare parenting classes, career counseling, therapy and psychological counseling and assistance with time management and organization.Your community based care agency (CBC) caseworker is responsible for informing you about all of the independent living services,including the Road to Independence Program and aftercare and transitional funds and services.3. I am worried that I will not be adopted before I turn 18. What can I do to prepare myself for leaving foster care?In addition to participating in the Independent Living program, there are many other things you can do to help yourself. First, attend schooland work with your guidance counselor on the best courses to take. For example, some schools provide classes for credit on consumerissues like financial literacy; others will provide credit for off campus employment and assist you with obtaining and keeping a job. Workwith your team to learn your strengths and needs, your aptitudes for careers. Collect and organize your important documents. Take asmany life skills classes as possible.You may learn something or meet someone at those classes that will help you.4. What are the documents that my caseworker needs to provide to me prior to my turning 18? Why is this important?You need all of the documents and information listed below in order to live independently. Consider making a personal file and keeping allthese documents in a safe place. Replacing lost documents can take a lot of time and effort. Be sure you get a certified copy of your birthcertificate so that you can obtain a driver’s license or Florida identification card and obtain a Passport.This is a list of the documents that the Department is supposed to give you. [Fla. Stat. §39.701(6)(a)] The Department is required to verifyto the judge hearing your case, no later than 3 months after you turn 17 that you have already been provided with the followingdocuments and information:1. Current Medicaid card and all information necessary to apply for Medicaid coverage when you reach 18, if you are eligible2. Certified copy of your birth certificate;3. A Florida identification card (unless you have a Florida driver’s license).4. All information relating to Social Security Insurance benefits, if you are eligible. (See question 10 for more about benefits.)5. Information and training related to budgeting skills, interview skills, and parenting skills.6. All information regarding the Road to Independence Program, including eligibility requirements, forms, and assistance in completingthe forms.7. Information confirming that, if you qualify for the Road To Independence Program, you may continue to reside with your foster familyor group care provider or a different foster family or group care provider.8. A bank account and essential banking skills.9. Information on public assistance and how to apply.10. A clear understanding of where you will be living when you turn 18, how you will pay for living expenses, and what school or othereducational program you will be attending.11. Notice of your right to request extended jurisdiction of the juvenile court.12. Notice that you have been encouraged to attend all juridical review hearings after you turn 17.5. How can I get a driver’s license?If you are under 18, your foster parent, a group home employee or your CBC caseworker can sign the application for your learner’sdriver’s license. Then when you are eligible for a regular driver’s license, your CBC caseworker can sign that application. However, thecaseworker can only sign if getting a driver’s license is part of your transition plan, so make sure it is in included in your plan. [Fla.Stat.§322.09(4) and (5)]If you are over 18 you do not need anyone to sign for your license.You must bring proof of identity, your social security number and proofthat you took a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse education course.You will need to bring a car for the driving test. It must have a valid license tag, proof of insurance, and pass a vehicle test.You can getinformation on the requirements, including a copy of the handbook to study at http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/dlnew.html.You can alsoobtain information and handbooks at your department of motor vehicles, look in the government section of your phonebook – usually theblue pages in the front.