The Independent Living (IL) program seeks to ensure the successful transition of youth ages 16 to 21 from out-of-home care to adulthood by assisting them in planning for their future and enhancing their individual strengths and abilities. Laws that guide IL services administered by Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) are described in (1) and (2).
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(A) supports states, including Oklahoma, in the delivery of IL services to youth in OKDHS or tribal custody and out-of-home care and provides these youth with services after they exit care at age 18 that focus on:
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(B) requires that IL services complement the youth's own efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and that program participants recognize and accept personal responsibility for the transition from out-of-home care to adulthood.
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(2)
State IL component. Section 7004-2.1 of Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes (
10 O.S. § 7004-2.1) requires OKDHS, to the extent of available funds, to provide or contract for services for children in OKDHS custody. The Independent Living Act,
10 O.S. § 7004-1.6, ensures that youth who are currently in out-of-home care, or who were in out-of-home care nine months between ages 16 to 18, receive the protection, support, and education necessary to become self-reliant and productive citizens. The provision of IL services for youth:
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(A) are initiated by the Child Welfare worker according to the age of the youth, per Oklahoma Department of Human Services Publication No. 94-08, Oklahoma Independent Living Program;
• 1 - (B) in OKDHS custody placed in other states is the responsibility of OKDHS, per OAC 340:75-1-86;
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(C) placed in Oklahoma through Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC) is approved by Children and Family Services Division IL Section on a case-by-case basis, per
OAC 340:75-1-86; and
• 2 - (D) up to age 19 in Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) custody and foster family or specialized community homes is in accordance with OAC 340:75-6-115.1.