PA Goes Above & Beyond to Serve Youth

Earlier this month DPW/OCYF issued long awaited guidance on Independent Living Services (ILS).  Much of the bulletin simply acknowledges the practice and service array that many agencies have historically provided. In the past policy on how ILS was part of annual grant announcements or most recently integrated within the Needs Based Budget Bulletin. But now public agencies and their contracted providers have standing policy that offers clearer instruction on how they should promote the permanency and well-being of youth in foster care.

There are a number of items in the bulletin that demonstrate Pennsylvania’s tremendous commitment to serving the needs of youth in foster care – commitment that goes far beyond the federal Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.  For instance:

• PA’s eligibility for ILS includes ANY youth the county child welfare agency believes is in need of ILS – this could be a youth who never came into foster care but ILS might improve their well-being as part of in-home service delivery.  Also, adjudicated delinquent youth are eligible for state funded ILS.
• Clarification that the “permanency goal” of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement should rarely be used and should lead to a “permanent life-long connection”.
• Integration of ILS and permanency services – the bulletin makes it very clear that youth in foster care regardless of their permanency goal need ILS and permanency services.
• Transition planning that is now required 90 days prior to a youth’s discharge per Fostering Connections is required 180 days prior in PA – and the bulletin’s appendix includes a model transition assessment and plan.
• Trial discharge is encouraged to allow youth to test their independence.  This isn’t the same thing as the opportunity to re-enter foster care, which is encouraged under Fostering Connections.  But it’s the next best thing to assure the safety of youth as they transition to adulthood. 
• Service requirements that are aimed at key outcome areas – education, employment, life skills development, etc.
• Financial supports for youth during and following their time in foster care.
• Housing support for youth who “aged out” through Chafee Room and Board and housing for youth who left foster care before age 18 through the Special Grant Housing Initiative funded by state dollars.
• And, last but definitely not least, on the last page of the bulletin in bold – the availability of services to youth who have left foster care after age 16 – “Aftercare Services” – are mandatory in Pennsylvania. 

The bulletin sets the stage for Pennsylvania to have some of the strongest ILS in the country – and if implemented well should go a long way toward improving the life outcomes of youth who experience foster care in our Commonwealth.  Take the time to not only review the bulletin but the appendix that has helpful resources for those working directly and indirectly with youth. PA’s child welfare community can take pride in being able to provide this level of service to youth. 

Todd Lloyd, MSW, is Child Welfare Director, PA Partnerships for Children