Independent Living Program provides services and supports to youth for a successful transition to self-sufficiency. Eligible youth may receive services for completion of secondary and post secondary education, training programs, room and board assistance, life skills, leadership opportunities and free medical services through the Medical Card Extension Program. Independent Living Services are provided by SRS local offices or contact the State Independent Living Coordinator for more information. For more information, go to the Children & Family Services Policy & Procedure Manual (PPM) Section 7000 for more in-depth information.
Youth who or have been involved in child welfare services in Kansas may participate in youth council activities. The Child Welfare Community Based Services Provider Regions across Kansas all host a regional council. Members of the regional councils comprise a State Youth Advisory Council. For more information concerning youth advisory councils please contact Children and Family Services Central Office in Topeka at 785-296-4653. For more information see the Youth Council link.
To be eligible for services and supports, young people must have "aged out" of foster care because they attained the age of 18, or have graduated from High School or completed their GED while in foster care, or have a finalized adoption or guardianship after the age of 16.
These young people may be eligible for an array of services and supports, including but not limited to financial support for post secondary education and/or certified training programs, room and board, assistance, transportation costs and book and materials related to education or training plan. In addition, young people may also receive Independent Living Skills training as requested and identified by the youth.
Young people involved in the Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program on their 21st birthday may continue to receive services and supports through ETV as requested through their 23rd birthday if eligible. Services through the Independent Living Program are offered through the SRS local offices.
Click on the following links for more information:
Independent Living Desk Guide
Application for Medical Card for 18-21
National Independent Living Association
Foster Care Tuition Waiver Program (Application and information)
NYTD
Kansas Youth Advisory Council
National Resource Center for Youth Services
Kansas Kids Gear UP
Kansas Independence Website
Foster Club: The National Network for Youth in Foster Care
http://www.fosterclub.com
http://www.fosterclub.com/fyi3
Contact Information:
Jaymee Metzenthin
Independent Living State Coordinator
Division of Children & Family Services
DSOB, 915 Harrison, Room 530
Topeka, KS 66612-1570
785/368-8192
fax: 785/368-8159
Jaymee.Metzenthin@srs.ks.gov