Independent Living Program

Independent Living services, as defined in Florida Statute 409.1451, are provided for youth in foster care for six months, ages 13 through 17, and young adults formerly in foster care ages 18 up to the 23rd birthday to assist in making the transition to self-sufficiency as adults.

The purpose of independent living services is:

• To help children likely to remain in foster care to make the transition to self-sufficiency.
• To complement the efforts of young adults formerly in foster care to achieve self-sufficiency.

Services Offered

• Assessment
• Determine strengths and needs
• Develop a plan with youth to meet needs.


• For Foster Care Youth 13-17
• Life Skills Training
• Employment support
• Educational assistance/ Financial Assistance
• Conferences and field trips for educational purposes


• Subsidized Independent Living
• Provides an opportunity for foster care youth age 16 and 17 to live independently by providing a monthly subsidy to cover living expenses


• For Former Foster Care Youth 18 up to 23
• Referrals to community resources for a wide variety of needs as well as cash assistance to prevent homelessness
• A broad array of short-term services including but not limited to: financial assistance, housing, counseling, employment, educational, and other supportive services
• Financial assistance to participate in educational and vocational training to achieve independence

Want to Know More?

If you are in foster care and between 13 and 18 years old, or you are between 18 and 23 years old and were in foster care on your 18th birthday, contact the Independent Living Coordinator in your area to find out what services may be available to you.

For more information on how to become a foster parent, contact a recruiter at: 1-866-517-7766
Local Number: (850) 453-7766 in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa Counties