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Independent Living Program
Independent Living Program - Wisconsin
About this resource
The Wisconsin Independent Living (IL) Programs help current and former foster youth reach their independent living goals, providing services for education, employment, housing, budgeting and building a support network to assist youth as they transition to adulthood. Find your local Independent Living Coordinator Here: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/map/il
Eligibility
Youth are eligible for certain services based on their age and the amount of time they were placed in OHC. Any youth who turns 17.5 while in OHC, or who is 17.5 or older when entering OHC, is automatically eligible for all services while in care that are provided through the county/tribal independent living program, regardless of the length of time in placement. Otherwise, the following rules apply:
1. Youth between the ages of 14 and 17.5 are eligible for services after they have attained a total of six months in an OHC placement, for as long as they are in an OHC placement. Note: Youth age 14, who have been in care for six months at the time they turn 14 begin receiving services immediately. Youth who enter care at age 14 or older are not required to begin receiving services until they attain six months in care.
2. Youth adopted from an OHC placement on or after their 16th birthday are eligible for some services up to age 23. Note: Youth who are eligible by way of adoption are not eligible for room and board supports.
3. Youth who enter court-ordered Ch. 48.977 Guardianship1 or Long-Term Kinship Care from an OHC placement on or after their 16th birthday are eligible for services up to the age of 23.
4. Youth that age out of an OHC placement on or after their 18th birthday are eligible for services up to age 23.
More details about Eligibility in Wisconsin can be found: https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/files/cwportal/il/pdf/il-eligibility.pdf