OKDHS.org - OAC 340:75-6-114. Requirements

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340:75-6-114. Requirements

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Revised 5-27-04

Federal regulations and state statutes require that eligible youth are provided each of the items listed in (1) through (3).

(1) Assessment of basic life skills. An evaluation of the youth's readiness for independent living (IL) is completed unless the youth is not considered capable of receiving IL services. The determination that a youth is not capable of receiving IL services is made only when a youth is so physically or mentally impaired that the youth is not able to live on his or her own. • 1 Areas of skill needed for the youth to transition to independence and community life are identified in the assessment. • 2
(2) Independent living plan. The IL plan documents the services and goals the Child Welfare (CW) worker and youth have identified as necessary for the youth to transition to independence. • 3 through 6 Consideration of the youth's capabilities is necessary to provide the appropriate services.
(3) Dispositional and review orders. All dispositional and review orders that involve a youth age 16 or older must contain a determination by the judge that the IL services needed to assist the youth in making the transition from custody to self sufficiency are provided. • 7

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:75-6-114

1. Determining a youth is not capable of receiving IL services. The reason for determining the youth cannot live independently must include medical, psychiatric, or psychological documentation from medical or mental health professionals, as applicable. This documentation is filed in the Child Welfare (CW) paper case. The CW worker staffs this determination with the CW supervisor prior to checking Client not Capable of Receiving Independent Living (IL) Services on the KIDS IL screen.

(1) There are youth who, though they do not meet the criteria for not capable of receiving IL services, are limited in their capacity to live independently. In those instances, the CW worker ensures that services with Development Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) are explored and, if appropriate, makes application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
(2) IL Housing and Supportive Services contingency funds are for the use of youth who can live independently. A youth who receives DDSD services is not eligible for these funds unless he or she can live unassisted.

2. Types of basic life skills assessments. Basic life skills assessments are initiated with youth in Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) or tribal custody at 16 years of age. The CW or tribal worker is responsible for ensuring that the assessment is completed. The original assessment is filed in the primary case with copies to the youth, placement provider, and all duplicate cases. Results of the assessment are documented in the KIDS IL screen. The worker and youth utilize any or all of the assessment tools outlined in (1) through (3).

(1) Daniel Memorial Institute Assessment. The Daniel Memorial Institute Assessment is a computerized basic life skills assessment completed by the youth with supervision and assistance from OKDHS or a contract provider.
(2) IL Strengths and Needs Assessment. This assessment tool requires a face-to-face contact with the youth. The assessment is completed by the youth with supervision from OKDHS or a contract provider. The placement provider is included in this process, if appropriate. This tool is available through the Children and Family Services Division (CFSD) IL coordinator.
(3) Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment. The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment is divided into two sections. The youth completes a set of questions that measures the youth's skill competency. The placement provider simultaneously completes a similar set of questions designed to demonstrate the provider's evaluation of the youth's skills. This assessment is accessed at www.caseylifeskills.org or www.nrcys.ou.edu.

3. IL plans. IL plans are required for youth 16 years or older in OKDHS or tribal custody who are in out-of-home placement and who are capable of receiving IL services. The CW or tribal worker is responsible for ensuring that the IL plan is completed.

(1) The original IL plan is maintained in the primary case with copies provided to the youth and all duplicate cases.
(2) Completion of the IL plan is documented on the KIDS IL screen. IL services are continually updated in the KIDS IL screen as the services are provided to the youth.
(3) The IL plan is updated every six months, and is attached to Form CWS-KIDS-11 (new form number 04KI009E), Court Report, or Form CWS-KIDS-25 (new form number 04KI014E), Individualized Service Plan Progress Report, for all dispositional or review hearings involving the youth.

4. Determining type of plan. For youth in emergency or temporary custody of OKDHS whose parents' rights are intact, the IL plan is separate from the family treatment and service plan. If a youth is in permanent custody the CW worker completes a Child Only - IL plan that addresses both permanence and IL for the youth.

5. Developing the IL plan. To develop the IL plan, the CW worker holds a meeting with the youth and the placement provider, biological parent(s), or relative, if the youth has an ongoing relationship and chooses to include them in this process, and:

(1) reviews the IL assessment;
(2) identifies the necessary skills for the youth to live independently;
(3) discusses the youth's occupational and educational interests, including options for college or university education or vocational programs;
(4) determines the need for tutoring and mentoring; and
(5) establishes a plan for IL living arrangements and a supportive network of adults.

6. What to include in the IL plan. The CW worker addresses:

(1) personal and interpersonal skills, including responsible decision-making;
(2) career planning, job skills, and employment opportunities;
(3) access to community resources;
(4) budgeting and financial management;
(5) assistance in obtaining a high school diploma, vocational training, or post secondary education;
(6) preventive health activities, including smoking avoidance, nutrition education, and pregnancy prevention;
(7) access to counseling and substance abuse prevention; and
(8) establishment and maintenance of a support system of responsible adults in the community that will serve as the youth's safety net.

7. Obtaining the appropriate IL finding in court. If the youth is:

(1) capable of receiving IL services, the CW worker attaches a copy of the youth's updated IL plan to and documents on Form CWS-KIDS-11 (new form number 04KI009E) or Form CWS-KIDS-25 (new form number 04KI014E) all IL services provided since the last court hearing in order for the court to make the finding of "Independent living services appropriate"; or
(2) not capable of receiving IL services, the CW worker documents the basis for this determination on Form CWS-KIDS-11 (new form number 04KI009E) or Form CWS-KIDS-25 (new form number 04KI014E) in order for the court to make the finding of "Independent living services not appropriate."

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