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Independent & Transitional Living Services

What is the program?

The Independent Living Skills Program provides youth, who are currently in or have been in foster care, one-on-one independent living skills training and case management services at no cost to them.

Since 2000, this mentor based program focuses on the support of the individual youth and is community based. Each youth's needs are assessed and a plan is developed from the assessment to assists each youth in meeting their individualized goals.

Youth receive hands on training in self-sufficiency skills such as obtaining housing, creating and managing a budget, career and education planning, engaging in safe and healthy relationships and securing employment. While the primary goal is safe housing and financial literacy (in an effort to decrease homelessness), these youth will also be connected to service learning opportunities and receive assistance in the application process for secondary or vocational education.

These skills are also taught in monthly workshops by volunteers from the community sharing their “expert” knowledge and held at our office in Mount Vernon.

Who does it serve?

  • Youth 15 to 23 years of age in
    • Skagit County
    • Whatcom County
    • Island County
    • San Juan County
    • Snohomish County
  • Currently in or have previously been in foster care for at least 30 days after their 15th birthday
  • Other at-risk youth by county, private, or tribal contracts

What services are provided?

The IL/TL program supports youth with assistance in the following areas:

  • Skills to succeed and live independently on your own
  • Finding safe transitional and/or permanent housing
  • Work-force readiness (including resume assistance and job referral)
  • Money management and budgeting
  • Transportation needs
  • Obtaining a GED and educational planning past high school
  • Bridging of healthy connections to biological and extended families
  • Building a support network and develop Interpersonal skills
  • Health-hygiene
  • Community resources
  • Resources for parenting and pregnancy prevention

What does it take to get started?

  • Referrals are initiated by social workers and youth
  • A Youthnet staff member will set up an appointment
  • The Casey Life Skills Assessment will be completed
  • Youthnet staff members assist in creating a one-year goal plan
  • Meet monthly with the Youthnet staff member to accomplish the outlined goals

To enroll, contact the program director, Sara at srylaarsdam@youthnetnw.net.

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