own (Westat, 1988;Stone, 1987). Public agencies recognized the need to makefundamental changes in their programs and services for theseolder children, particularly in the areas of education,employment, life-skills, and decision-making.These concerns culminated in the passage of legislationcreating a federal Independent Living Program in 1986. In1987, funds were allocated and program implementation beganin all 50 states. In some states, federal fundssupplemented state funds that were already being directed tothe provision of independent living services to older teensin foster care. Maryland, for example, had recognized theneed for independent living services for teens and begunimplementing a state funded program in 1985.The Independent Living Program amended in 1990 toextend eligibility for independent living services to age 21at state option. This extension recognizes that youngpeople in foster care often face difficulty in making abrupttransition out of care at age 18, and that services are moreeffective on a longer continuum. In 1993, the Program waspermanently authorized and funded at $70 million. Thesefunds are distributed to states by formula, and must bematched dollar for dollar over the original amount allocatedto the state in 1986. Federal Independent Living Programfunds may be used to provide counseling, educationalassistance, life-skill training, and vocational support toyouth in care. Funds were also directed to state and localindependent living staff positions, staff training, fosterparent training, and youth participation activities such asannual youth independent living conferences.The Federal Independent Living Program does not requirestates to provide specific services (other than an initiallife-skills assessment), and allows great flexibility inprogram design. States are required to have a state planfor independent living services, and individual independentliving plan for each youth participating in the progra...
