About

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide every eligible youth in care with independent living skills training to assist in the transition of our youth to a successful and independent lifestyle. ILP services are currently delivered to youth ages 14-21 by Side by Side and are partnered with Alameda County Social Services.

History

In 1986, the federal government launched the Independent Living Program to enable state child welfare agencies to meet the needs of youth preparing to emancipate from foster care. The initial federal funding allowed for ILP services to be made available to youth ages 16-18 who were dependents of the county or probation wards placed out of home by the juvenile court on or after their 16th birthday. In 1999, the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act doubled the federal budget for ILP and allowed states to extend services to eligible youth between the ages of 18-21, utilize the funds for room and board for pre-emancipation youth, and to extend Medi-Cal benefits up to age 21. In 2002, the federal government added the Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program, funding former foster and probation youth for up to $5000 per year for higher education up to age 23 if the former foster/probation youth was receiving Chafee support at age 21.

Alameda County was one of the first counties in the state to develop an Independent Living Program, opening its doors in 1987. From its inception, Alameda County ILP has focused on education, employment, and life skills training. ILP graduates go on to 4-year colleges, community colleges, vocational training programs, and full-time employment. Over the years, a number of ILP graduates have returned to the program as members of the staff.

5 Pillars: Life Skill Focus

1. Health and Wellness, including nutrition, follow up with mental, physical, and dental care, development & nurturance of healthy self-esteem and positive self-image, personal growth, emotional and physical stability, self-sufficiency and self-advocacy, ability to make healthy choices and problem-solve effectively;
2. Establishment and Promotion of Relationships and Networks (Permanency) including preparation to transition out of foster care, short- and long-term goal setting, capability to manage basic daily tasks, ability to navigate and access services within the community, healthy relationships with family, friends and romantic partners, and adult permanent supportive connections;
3. Stable and Affordable Housing, including planning for, seeking, securing, and maintaining appropriate, adequate housing during and beyond foster care;
4. Education Support and Achievement, including education performance, college readiness, computer literacy, study habits, college tours, post-secondary school application support, and administering scholarships and other financial support; and
5. Employment Readiness and Career Development, including career exploration & financial literacy, management and budgeting, interview skills, work habits and partnership with employers and organizations committed to providing real work experience. 

Eligibility:

• Are currently in foster care or were in foster care sometime on or after their 16th birthday
• Exited foster care to adoption on or after their 16th birthday
• Whose non-related legal guardianship occurred after their 8th birthday
• Are living with relative guardianship supported by Kin-GAP

How can I get involved with ILP?

ILP-eligible youth are usually referred to ILP by their child welfare workers or probation officers. If you are eligible for services and have not been referred already, you may walk in and speak to our Intake Specialist to register for ILP services. Together with the child welfare worker or probation officer, a youth should complete a Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) prior to referral to ILP, and the TILP should be sent along with the referral form to the ILP office, either via fax 510-667-7629 or by email to (insert intake email)

ILP Services:

Pre-emancipation Life Skills classes:
Weekly life skills and emancipation planning classes covering education and employment, communication skills, health care, rights and responsibilities, financial literacy, workshops and more.

College Tours:
Visits to college campuses, including meetings with ILP alums who attend the colleges being toured.

Higher Education Application Assistance:
Individual support and assistance in preparing college applications.

Scholarship Application Assistance:
Workshops and individual assistance in researching and applying for scholarships at all levels of higher education.

California Youth Connection (CYC):
Leadership training and opportunities, including legislative advocacy for current and former foster youth.

After Care Assistance:
Individual assessments and case management for emancipated youth and AB12 participants.

Holiday Parties:
Elegant and festive events marking the mid-point of the ILP year, including the Halloween Outings, Harvest Dinner, and Holiday Party.

ILP Graduation:
Grand celebration of the students’ achievements as they transition to college, vocational training, and the world of work.

Resources-Forms

• TILP
• Request for Ward of Court Letter
• ILP Referral (in County)
• ILP Referral (out of County)