About Independent Living Program

Idaho’s Independent Living Program assists youth ages 14 to 21 in developing the skills necessary to transition from foster care to independent living. Youth and young adults ages 16-26 also may qualify for education assistance.

In Idaho, regional areas have the flexibility to design services to meet a wide range of individual needs and circumstances for current and former foster youth. The goal is to make sure youth have the resources and opportunities to live independently. Participation in the Independent Living Program is completely voluntary.

Services available
  • Resources to transition to self sufficiency
  • Access to education, training and services to obtain employment
  • Help youth prepare for and enter post-secondary training and educational institutions
  • Personal and emotional support to youth aging out of foster care through mentors and the promotion of interactions with supportive adults
  • Financial assistance, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services 
  • Funding for education and training, including postsecondary education 
  • Room and board services for eligible youth including American Indian/Alaska Native youth who have aged out of foster care settings upon reaching the age of 18 but have not yet reached the age of 21
  • There is additional pandemic aid for eligible foster youth and alumni age 14-26 
     

NOTE: Individualized assessment will be made to tailor services for each youth’s case plan.