Independent Living

The Chafee Independence Program

The John Chafee Independence Program is a federally funded program designed to teach children and youth in out-of-home care and youth formerly in care the skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient after they are released from care.

The Chafee Independence Program mandates that all children 12 and over in care receive independent living services, regardless of permanency goal.

Services are provided by 10 regional Independent Living coordinators, one quality central specialist employed by Eastern Kentucky University and private child care contractors. 

Referrals for independent living services can be made by contacting regional Independent Living coordinators. Referrals to the program may be made by foster parents, workers and private contractors or by the youth. 

Services available to youth are based on ages and commitment to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. 

The following services are available through the Chafee Independence Program:

12- to 15-year-olds
Foster parents are now being trained to work with 12- to 15-year-olds in the home on “soft” skills such as anger management, problem-solving and decision-making and on daily living skills such as cooking, household responsibilities, laundry and money management. 

16-year-olds
Sixteen-year-olds are eligible for formal Life Skills classes taught in each region by Independent living coordinators or private contractors.  The curriculum includes instruction on employment, money management, community resources, housing and education.

18- to 21-year-olds committed to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Eighteen- to 21-year-olds who extend their commitment with the cabinet are eligible for formal Life Skills classes, tuition assistance and a tuition waiver.

18- to 21-year-olds who left care because they turned 18
Youth 18-21 who left care because they turned 18 are eligible for formal Life Skills classes, a tuition waiver and assistance with room and board.

Youth Participation/Mentoring
The Kentucky Organization for Foster Youth (KOFFY) is a statewide group open to youth currently and formerly in foster care. The aim of the group is to provide an opportunity for former and current foster youth to educate the public and policy makers about the needs of youth in foster care. The group will also seek to change negative stereotypes about foster kids, develop a mentoring program and create a speaker’s bureau of youth. Membership is open to any current or former foster youth, regardless of age. Contact your regional Independent Living coordinator for upcoming events. 

Other services coordinated through the Chafee Independence Program:

Tuition Assistance
Youth 18-21 who extend their commitment with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for educational purposes are eligible for tuition assistance to attend college or vocational training. Tuition assistance is paid from state general funds and can be used for expenses not covered by federal financial assistance.  Youth must fill out a free application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA), available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Tuition assistance is applied if federal financial assistance, KEES, CAP, the tuition waiver for foster and adopted children and/or any other private scholarships do not meet all expenses.  

Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children
KRS 164.2847, the Tuition Waiver for Foster and Adopted Children waives tuition and mandatory fees at any Kentucky public university, technical or community college. Youth must fill out a free application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA), available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The tuition waiver is a last resort resource, applied if federal financial assistance, KEES, CAP and/or any other private scholarships do not meet all expenses. 

Useful Web sites for college or financial assistance information

http://www.kheaa.com/   
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance
Authority

http://www.kheaa.com/prog_keeshome.html
Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship
(KEES) information

http://www.fastweb.com/    
Scholarship information

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/   
Free Application for Federal Student Assistance