Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Appendix C: History and Development of the GuidebookHeightened attention to getting youth in out-of-home care ready for living on their own occurred with the 1999 passage of the FosterCare Independence Act (P. L. 106-169), and the John H. Chafee Independence Program. This act mandates evaluation of services isnow mandated for all states receiving federal independent living monies (see Foster Care Awareness Project, 2000). To help youthprepare for living on their own, Casey Family Programs (Casey) developed a set of tools to assess life skills and evaluate life skillsprograms.Readiness to live on one’s own is a life-long process, and thus, four levels of the ACLSA were created for youth ages 8-9 (I), 10-12(II), 13-15 (III) and 16 and older (Adult) (see www.caseylifeskills.org). The purpose of all 4 levels is to indicate life skill masteryacross several domains. The ACLSA is not an exhaustive list of all the skills one needs to live on one’s own. Rather, it provides anindication of skill level and readiness for living on one’s own. The assessments are designed to be the first step in preparation forliving on one’s own. Other steps include goal setting, action planning, instruction, learning, and application, followed again byassessment to measure progress (see Exhibit C.1).Life Skills Guidebook 190©2004 by Casey Family Programs.