21.9 Resource Development
While CD is considered the primary caretaker for youth in out-of-home care, the community plays a crucial role in their healthy development. Given the multitude of needs of youth in and exiting out-of-home care, CD must access and partner with community resources. Community supports are essential, and our efforts to develop an array of resources to meet their areas of need should be on-going. Making a smooth transition to self-sufficiency will depend on the youth’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. A successful transition to independence hinges on building partnerships with other public and private agencies in the community.
Children’s Services Workers and IL Specialists or their designees should be cognizant of community resources already available. The intent of Chafee is to focus on services for youth who are in care, are aging out, or have aged out of the foster care system. Chafee funds are meant to be short term, flexible, and used as a safety net to meet the needs of the youth to assist them in their efforts toward independence. Youth should always be encouraged to work toward independence and self-sufficiency. Refer to and utilize all available resources before accessing Chafee funds. Look to the youth as a resource. Other resources may include, but should not be limited to the following:
- Employment Agencies;
- Service/Volunteer Organizations for Mentoring;
- College/Technical School Financial Assistance;
- Faith-Based Resources;
- Clothing Resources;
- One Stop Centers;
- Transportation Resources;
- Child Care Resources;
- Emergency Housing Assistance;
- Food Pantries;
- Community Action Agencies;
- Adult Education Programs;
- Income Maintenance Programs/Resources;
- Medical Clinics; and
- Other State Agencies.
21.10 Outcomes
the community, youth who are currently in out-of-home care or left the legal custody of the Division will be:
- Better prepared to meet the challenges they face on their road to self-sufficiency and independence;
- Will understand the importance of their role and personal responsibility to self and community;
- Will be more aware of community resources and how to access them if needed; and
- Will be able to develop their own support system to enable them to transition successfully to independence.
Chapter Memoranda History: (prior to 1/31/07)
CD04-15, CD04-56, CD04-79; CD05-02; CD05-72