Housing Options for Youth in Care
When you turn 18, you may have more choice about the type of living situation you want. There a several different types of housing within DCFS, which are outlined below
foster care
If you are 18 and you are happy living with you foster family, you do not have to leave. DCFS supports foster care living until 21. If the time comes where you want to explore independent living options as you figure out your work or school paths, reach out to your case manager to start having conversations about transition planning.
Independent Living Program (ILO)
If you have completed secondary education (high school diploma or GED) you may be eligible for an independent living program. In an ILO you have a lot more freedom and independence, which can be both exciting and challenging.
Program eligibility criteria are:
You don’t want to be in foster care
You are age 19 or older (if you are 17.5 and there are no TLPs in your area, you can qualify for an ILO)
Stable placement for one year prior to referral
Diploma from an accredited high school or GED
One of your permanency goals is independence;
You have six months of employment and some post-secondary education and/or vocational training
Any health needs you have are manageable with adult support and the support of community based treatment resources
You have shown you know how to save money, and you have some savings
Ready, willing and able to engage in transition planning.
Transitional Living Program Services (TLP)
Transitional living programs (TLP) provide case management and other supports to assist you in completing secondary education (high school or GED), develop life skills, establish meaningful relationships, and prepare for an independent living program. A TLP living situation is usually in an apartment building with other youth in care. TLPs usually have a lot of structure and 24-hour onsite supervision.
Placement Alternative Contract
If you know someone you want to live with, or somewhere you want to live, that is different than independent living or transitional living options, then you can explore a placement alternative contract (PAC). If you are approved for a PAC, you will receive services and financial support from the Department in a placement of your choosing. To be considered for a PAC you must:
Be 18 years or older
Choose a safe place to stay anywhere in Illinois: The place must meet minimum safety requirements in the Placement Alternative Contract Safety Checklist. For parenting youth the placement must also satisfy the requirements in the Placement Alternative Contract Additional
Safety Checklist for a Parenting Youth Whose Children Will Share or Visit the Placement.Establish written self-sufficiency goals that promote your ability to achieve economic self-sufficiency;
Identify an advocate who will assist you in achieving your goals. Note that if your advocate is not a foster parent or a case worker, they will need to complete a background check.
If you are approved for a PAC, you will sign a 90 day contract that says that DCFS will provide payments for your placement for the next 90 days, as long as you are working towards your self-sufficiency goals. Every 90 days, your placement will be reviewed.
dormitories
DCFS does not support rent for college or university dorms, but does provide other educational supports. Learn more here.
What if I want to live somewhere and my case manager does not let me?
If a housing option is chosen for you that you do not agree with, you have a right to appeal the decision.
If you want to start to plan for housing options once you transition check out our Housing Page.