Washington State ILP
WASHINGTON STATE'S INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM INFORMATION

History
Washington State started providing independent living skills training to foster youth age 16 to 18 in 1986. Services were provided by contracted providers and were limited by funding constraints.

In 1999, the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program Act was passed. The act provides greater funding to States to implement independent living programs for foster youth and former foster youth. States are to identify "those youth likely to remain in foster care until age 18" in determining eligibility for services.

Services are aimed at improving educational outcomes and providing skill building services for youth in care. Washington State also helps former foster youth (age 18 to 21) achieve self-sufficiency and reduce high risk behaviors by providing housing assistance, access to higher education opportunities, and connections to supportive adults and peers.

Programs
The overall independent living program has the following three initiatives:
Independent Living Program
Helps youth ages 13-18 that are likely to remain in foster care until they "age out" and attain skills to succeed in life on their own. Independent living services include mentoring, education advocacy, career planning, daily living skills, and avoidance of high-risk behaviors.

Transitional Living Program
Supports youth who have aged out of foster care (up until their 21st birthday). Typical support services include assistance in accessing safe and stable housing, employment training, placement and retention services, and support toward the attainment of either a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) diploma.

Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Assists former foster care youth (from age 18 until 23rd birthday) who have graduated from high school or attained a GED post-secondary education. This program provides up to $5,000 per year per student for eligible post-secondary expenses.

Contacts
For more information, contact:
Headquarters: Rick Butt, IL Program Manager - 206.923.4891

Region 1: Heather Hamasaki, IL Coordinator - 509.363.3482
Spokane and Okanogan.

Region 2: Sandy Bradley, IL Coordinator - 509.737.2810
Yakima, Richland and White Salmon

Region 3: George Godzik, IL Coordinator- 425.339.1763
Everett and Mount Vernon

Region 4: Lee Selah, IL Coordinator - 206.691.2515
Seattle

Region 5: Keith Fichter, IL Coordinator - 253.983.6273
Tacoma and Poulsbo

Region 6: Karen Kremkau, IL Coordinator - 360.725.6817
Tumwater, Olympia, Longview, Port Angeles and Vancouver