Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

independent living skills as identified in theassessment. The type of services available include:banking, budgeting, interviewing, parenting, timemanagement, organizational skills, educationalsupport, employment training and counseling.Educational & Career PathComponent of the Case PlanBeginning at age 13, the youth’s case planmust include “an educational and career path”component based on the abilities and interestsof each child. Florida Statute §409.1451(3)(b)1. The youth, foster parents and a teacher aresupposed to be involved in developing the path.The path must be incorporated in the case planand must be reviewed at each judicial hearing.The youth, assisted by foster parents and DCF or theCBC, must chose one of these post-secondary goals:1. Obtaining a 4-year university degree.2. Obtaining a 2-year college degree.3. Obtaining a career/technical certificate.4. Beginning employment or apprenticeship aftercompleting high school or enlisting in the military.3. The grade point requirement and any additionalinformation necessary to achieve the goal.4. A teacher, school staff member, employee of thedepartment, community-based care provider, orcommunity volunteer who will be willing to workwith the youth as an academic advocate or mentorif the foster parent is not sufficient or available.Transition Plan for“Transitional Support Services”In addition to the general transition planningrequirements in all case plans, the term “transitionplan” also has a specific meaning in relation to“Transitional Support Services.” Young adultswho were previously in foster care may be eligiblefor short-term funding and services if it will helpthem achieve self sufficiency. In order to receivethe funds, the young adult must work with DCF orthe CBC to develop a “joint transition plan.” Thistransition plan must have specific tasks to completeand the young adult must be accountable forcompleting or making progress toward completionof the tasks. Florida Statute §409.1451(5)(c).What ShouldThe Plans Cover?Even thoughthere are severaldifferent “plans,”for youth instate care, theyshould all beincorporated intothe case plan thatis approved by thecourt.The youth can change that goal while infoster care or after leaving foster care.The foster parents, caseworkers and otheradults must help the youth identify:1. The core courses necessary for a chosen goal.2. Any elective course that would provideadditional help in reaching a chosen goal.11