Independent Living (IL) Program

Youth ages 15 through 22 have been in foster care with DCYF or a tribal court can choose to be part of the Independent Living (IL) program. Youth can be anywhere on the spectrum of transitioning to adulthood. DCYF works with local, community-based agencies and federally recognized tribes throughout the state to provide independent living skills. 

Services could include:

  • Casey Life Skills Assessment (CLSA)
  • Daily Living Skills
  • Support with continued education
  • Career Exploration
  • Vocational Training
  • Help finding a job
  • Helping establish stable and healthy connections

Who can participate?

Youth who are or were: 

  • In an established dependency through DCYF or a tribal child welfare agency during the ages of 15-17 and
  • In an out-of-home foster care placement for at least 30 days between ages 15 to 18th birthday.  

Once they are determined to be eligible, the youth will always be eligible. If a youth enters a permanent plan (returns home, Title 13 guardianship, etc.) after meeting the criteria of eligibility, they are still eligible for services. 

Youth are not eligible if they: 

  • Returned home, were adopted, or in a guardianship before age 15 (with an out-of-home placement for at least 30 days)
  • Are under the age of 18 and in a Voluntary Placement Agreement (VPA)
  • Are under a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petition
  • Are in a Juvenile Rehabilitation locked 24-hour facility
  • Are not a U.S. citizen 

Important Dates

Youth can refer themselves for services from age 15 until their 23rd birthday. 

How to Apply

For dependent youth, caseworkers can complete the referral form in FamLink and submit it to ILSKIDS@dcyf.wa.gov.

Non-dependent youth or youth who were dependent through a child welfare agency or Tribal Court in another state can refer themselves by contacting their local IL provider or emailing their request to ILSKIDS@dcyf.wa.gov.

Current IL Providers and Counties Served

Catholic Charities serving

  • Adams  
  • Asotin  
  • Benton  
  • Chelan  
  • Columbia  
  • Douglas  
  • Ferry  
  • Franklin  
  • Garfield   
  • Grant  
  • Kittitas  
  • Klickitat  
  • Lincoln  
  • Okanogan  
  • Pend Oreille  
  • Spokane  
  • Stevens  
  • Walla Walla
  • Whitman   
  • Yakima  

Youthnet serving Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom

YMCA of Greater Seattle serving King County

Olive Crest serving 

  • Clallam
  • Clark
  • Cowlitz
  • Grays Harbor
  • Jefferson
  • Kitsap
  • Mason
  • Pacific
  • Lewis
  • Pierce
  • Skamania
  • Thurston
  • Wahkiakum

Scholarship Opportunity

High School Seniors, apply now for the Washington State Governors’ Scholarship.