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Independent Living Skills for Youth
In partnership with the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children's Services, Family & Children Services provides support, training, and resources to youth ages 16-21 who are in foster placements (foster homes) or moving toward independent living. Youth “age out” of the foster care system when they turn 18. Our Independent Living Program (ILP) staff members work closely with the youth to help them become self-sufficient.
Family & Children Services' ILP serves youth living throughout Santa Clara County. We welcome warmly youth who have been served by other agencies and are transitioning into our program.
Services:
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Classes and Workshop
Youth receive training in topics including budgeting, conflict resolution, career planning, goal setting, renting a home, college and financial aid, and planning healthy meals. |
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Events
ILP organizes holiday parties, so participants have somewhere to go on traditional family holidays. |
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Information and Referrals
ILP staff connects participants with available resources, services, and programs. |
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Support Services
When youth turn 18, the ILP staff members become their primary resource for assistance. The staff supports youth in becoming self-sufficient by teaching them to achieve such tasks as getting a state identification card, applying for jobs, completing student loan applications, and reviewing rental agreements. |
Locations and Fees:
Clients pay no fees. Funding is provided through the County of Santa Clara. Donations from individuals, companies, and foundations allow the program to provide youth with special outings, additional resources, expanded learning opportunities, career clothes, and household items. ILP operates out of Sobrato House in San Jose.
The Breakthrough Series Collaborative:
During September of 2008, the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children's Services was accepted to participate in the Breakthrough Series Collaborative on ILP Redesign in California. California was one of six states chosen to participate in a National Governor's Association (NGA) Policy Academy on Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care. The ILP Redesign focuses on the three fundamental goals: (1) Permanence - every youth has lifelong connections with family and supportive adults; (2) Education - every youth receives a quality education, high school diploma, and support pursuing postsecondary opportunities; and (3) Employment - every youth has work experience and training opportunities that prepare them for and place them in living wage employment and careers. Family & Children Services is honored to be serving as the pilot test site for this initiative in Santa Clara County.
For information:
call 408-292-9353
or complete our Contact Form.
Program Director: Maria Moraga
Resource Case Manager: Anna-Maria Karnes
Visit our Resources page to view the ILP Resource Guide, created by ILP youth.
Want to help ILP youth?
View the Wish List or Ways to Give.
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