Overview of Independent Living Specialists and Programs

Regional Independent Living Specialists are available statewide. The creation of the Regional IL Specialist is to assist workers with their youth in foster care to work toward living independently.

Due to limited funding - IL funding is currently used on youth ages 16 and above who have goals of long-term foster care or guardianship - these are the youth who will most likely be on their own at age 18, 19 or 20 and need independent living skills.

Funding through the IL program is also available for youth who have aged out of custody (must have been in custody at the age of 16 years old for at least 6 months and have not reached the age of 21.) Post secondary education funding is also available for youth who have aged out of custody (must have been in custody at the age of 16 years old for at least 6 months and have not reached the age of 21.) Contact your regional IL Specialist for more information.

Statewide Casey Family Programs and the IL Specialists have established a Facing Foster Care in Alaska (FFCA) group. The group is made up of current and alumni youth who are or have been in the State foster care system - the mission of the group is to improve the Foster Care System through sharing their experiences as youth and alumni in order to support youth, social workers and others involved in social services. The regional groups meet four times a year. Members of the group recently went to Sacramento, CA to represent Alaskan foster youth at the independent living - "It's My Life Conference" Individuals interested in becoming a member should contact their regional IL Specialist. For more information please follow the link below.

Office of Children's Services Independent Living Program

Alaska Independent Living Program's Independent Living Specialists