Foster the CBC of Central Florida Vision, Mission & Commitment CBC of Central Florida is a non-profit, lead agency that believes all children have the inalienable right to grow up safe, healthy and fulfilled in families that love and nurture them. Since 2004, we’ve helped abused, neglected and abandoned children and their families by combining compassion and innovation with flexibility.
Independent living is about making tomorrow possible, by creating future goals today.
Our commitment to community grows with its needs.
Learn more about the IL Program services by contacting one of our IL Coordinators: 321-441-2060
It’s always been the mission of CBC of Central Florida to ensure that all families in Orange, Osceola and Seminole County are able to safely care for their children by engaging, protecting and inspiring every child, every day through a network of support. The assistance, resources and programs available through our network of local providers grow with the needs of our communities and the individuals who live here. We strive to provide the highest quality services for our area’s most vulnerable children.
Independent Living Services There are many services offered within the Independent Living (IL) Program. Depending on the child’s age, history, needs and the program’s requirements, participation within the following may vary: • Pre-Independent Living • Life Skills Service • Transitional Support Services* • Subsidized Independent Living • Road to Independence Program*
Independent Living protect and inspire every child, every day. Corporate Office 4001 Pelee Street Orlando, FL 32817
Phone: 321-441-2060 or 866-90-CHILD (24453) Fax: 407-681-0560 www.CBCCFL.org
protect and inspire every child, every day. 866-90-CHILD (24453) www.CBCCFL.org
The Cost of Independence is Priceless *All participants in the Independent Living Program, 18 years of age and older, must perform and meet specific education, employment and other IL eligibility requirements to maintain status and receive the financial benefit. Contact an IL Coordinator for details.
How does a child become eligible for Independent Living? The need for family, love and guidance lasts a lifetime; it’s not a phase you outgrow upon turning 18.
Someday, the children in foster & adoptive care will be adults, who will become independent, yet, who need help applying for a job or college, who want a home to visit for the holidays. The goals of Independent Living Transition Services are to assist older children in foster care and young adults who were formerly in foster care to obtain life skills and education for independent living and employment. Learning to live independently is a very delicate process that every child must undergo, regardless of their case plan goal. It is the mission of IL to ensure each child understands the importance of the following: • Continuation of education • Assessing & providing job skills • Self support • Daily living skills • Tracking & assessing youth’s needs Pre-Independent Living Requirements: • Children ages 13 – 15 in foster care Components: • Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment • Annual progress meetings with IL Coordinator
How does a child prepare for independent living? As students of life, we learn to adapt to our surroundings and current situations to prepare for and maintain our independence.
When can a child start gaining life skills?
Someday, a child will stop feeling like a child, an adult walks away from the smaller shadow, that child could have children of its own, and still maintain their independence.
The moment a child enters the world, they begin to gather experiences that can be honed into valuable life skills.
Subsidized Independent Living Requirements:
Someday, there will be a child who cries from being alone, these tears will transition into ones of joy, when that child discovers that they are independent, and can go forth on their own accord thanks to IL.
• Children ages 16 – 18 in foster care
Life Skills Service Requirements:
• Adjudicated dependent • Placed in out-of-home care at least six months prior to entering SIL • Have a case plan goal of adoption or APPLA • Be employed at least part time, earning a minimum of $100/month • Can cover at least one month of bills & move-in costs • Enrolled full time in an educational program
• Children ages 16 – 18 in foster care
• Maintain at least 2.0 GPA, as required by the educational institution
Components:
• Exhibit responsible behavior (NO runaways, violence, delinquencies)
• Daniel Memorial Life Skills Assessment
• Cannot have any current or pending DJJ involvement
• Annual progress meetings with IL Coordinator
Components:
• Life skills training (including banking, budgeting, interviewing skills, parenting skills, educational support & employment training)
• Daniel Memorial Life Skills Assessment
Transitional Support Service* Requirements: • Young adults ages 18 – 23
• Independent Living Skills Training • Continued involvement with Dependency Case Manager until age 18 • Receives a subsidy of up to a full time minimum wage job • Can live in a setting that is not licensed (college dorm or their own apartment)
• In licensed foster care on 18th birthday
Road to Independence Program*
• Spent at least six months in foster care at anytime
Requirements:
• In need of short-term services to achieve self-sufficiency & develop a personal support system
• Young adults ages 18 – 23 • In custody on 18th birthday (or adopted or placed by court after 16) • Spent at least six months in foster care at anytime
• Assistance in development & writing of post high school goal (9th grade or 14 yrs.)
Components:
• Resident of Florida & U.S. citizen
• Temporary financial assistance (reviewed, approved & paid monthly)
• Enrolled in high school OR postsecondary institution Components:
• Life skills training, educational field trips & conferences
• Services & training offered in the community or through life skills classes
• Can live in non-licensed setting • Florida Tuition Waiver • Receives scholarship ($25 - $1,256/mo.) upon assessment • Continued IL Coordinator assistance