C. Supervised Independent Living
The Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program allows a youth to live in residential foster care in a more independent setting, including apartments, dorms, and shared housing.[52] Young adults receive casework and support services to help them become independent and self-sufficient.
If a youth is placed in a SIL program, DFPS does not supervise the youth's living situation or maintain contact unless the youth is receiving transitional living services such as the Transitional Living Allowance and Aftercare Room and Board, Education and Training Voucher, and Aftercare case management.
Through SIL a young adult has:
- Increased responsibilities
◦ managing finances
◦ buying groceries/personal items
◦ working with a landlord
- Transition to independent living
◦ achieving identified education and employment goals
◦ accessing community resources
◦ experiencing life skills
◦ establishing important relationships
Eligibility Requirements for SIL:
- SIL is available for a young adult who is able to:
◦ demonstrate a reasonable level of maturity and ability to manage the expectations required in a SIL setting with minimal supervision and case management; and
◦ meet eligibility requirements for Extended Foster Care.
- The young adult in a SIL placement must meet the Extended Foster Care eligibility requirements within 30 days of placement.
- A 17-year-old youth in DFPS conservatorship may apply for a SIL placement but is not eligible for placement until the 18th birthday.
SIL settings can include:
- Apartments
- Non-College Dorms
- College Dorms
- Shared Housing
- Host Homes
For more information about SIL settings, see Types of SIL Settings webpage.[53]
Requesting a SIL Placement:
- Step 1: The young adult discusses SIL with the caseworker. The young adult completes the DFPS a SIL Application and gives to the DFPS caseworker.
- Step 2: The DFPS caseworker sends the completed and approved SIL Application to the SIL Coordinator through a mailbox established by DFPS. The SIL Coordinator in the DFPS State Office send the referral to the SIL Contractor(s) that have available openings.
- Step 3: The DFPS caseworker discuss the available SIL placement options with the young adult. The young adult has the option to accept a SIL placement in any DFPS Region where a SIL setting has been established.
- Step 4: At the young adult's direction, the DFPS caseworker sends the required forms and the SIL application to contracted SIL provider(s).
- Step 5: Upon initial acceptance by a SIL provider, the young adult and DFPS caseworker hold discussions with the SIL provider. If the young adult, DFPS caseworker and SIL provider agree on the placement, a placement date is identified, and the placement is completed.