1.) What Are the Different Services That ILP Offers?
-Educational/Enrichment Services
-Life Skills Trainings via VStreet
-Life Skills Assessments via ACLSA
-Job Training via Job Readiness
-Employment Services via TeenWork
-Leadership/Educational Youth Conference
-Foster Parent Training Resources
-Summer/Evening School Fees*
-Books
-Supplies, Tools, Equipment
-Uniforms*
-Tutoring
-Enrichment & Extracurricular Activities*
-High School Senior Graduation Fees
-PS Application Fees
-Tuition Assistance/Registration
-Room & Board Support
-Course Books & Supplies
-Testing (ACT, SAT, etc.)
-Educational Stipends
-Transportation Assistance
-Drivers Education
-Transitional & After-Care Planning
-*All Expenditures Subject to Prior Approval by ILP Coordinator AND As Funds Are Available
2.) What Doesn't ILP Cover?
-Housing except funds from TLP and ETV
-Prom Expenses
-Christmas Gifts
-Afterschool Care
-Childcare
-Medical Insurance
-Legal Fees
-Job Placement Other Than Teen Work
-Student Loan Payments
-Assistance For College When Youth Havent Applied For (On Time) Or Are Not Eligible For Financial Aid.
-Resources & Links Are Available to Offer Money Outside of ILP
QUESTIONS ABOUT ELIGIBILITY
3.) What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Me To Participate In ILP?
Youth adjudicated into foster care in Georgia who are between the ages of 14 and 21, regardless of their permanency plan.
Youth adopted after the age of 14
Youth must be in the legal custody of the state for a minimum of six months, and a ward of the state on or after 14th birthday.
Youth with open child welfare placement case and/or open delinquency case.
Youth in the custody of Georgias child welfare agency, whether or not they are citizens or legal residents of the U.S., through the age of 18
Youth who have maintained legal status prior to their 18th birthday
Developmental disability youth & ILP will coordinate with other community resources if the training or support requires more than ILP provides.
4.) Do I Have To Be Enrolled In Post-Secondary Education To Be Eligible for ILP?
ILP assists youth who are still enrolled in high school, ages 14-18, and youth enrolled in post secondary education, age 18-25 (based on certain criteria).
Please note that those receiving post-secondary assistance must be attending college or vocational school full time, which is to be
registered for 12 accredited hours in most colleges or enrolled in technical school.
5.) My Case Is Terminated, Am I Still Eligible To Participate In ILP?
You are eligible to participate in ILP programs and funding on or after the age of 14 (based on eligibility requirements).
6.) I Am Disabled, Am I Still Eligible To Participate In ILP?
Developmental disability youth are eligible for services. ILP will coordinate with other community agencies and organizations to provide services if the support required is outside of ILP scope.
7.) I Am Going To or Coming From Another State, Am I Still Eligible To Participate In ILP of Georgia?
Youth placed in Georgia from another state can participate in ILP of Georgia. Funding for secondary assistance must be requested from your legal state by your Case Manager.
For youth from Georgia that are placed in other states, ILP can still assist financially. A referral should be made by your former Georgia ILP Coordinator to the current ILP
Coordinator where you reside out of state.
Youth between the ages of 18 and 21 who are considered formerly Aged-Out of foster care, who then move from another state to Georgia, are still eligible for available services and resources in Georgia.
8.) I Have Been Adopted, Am I Still Eligible To Participate In ILP?
Youth adopted at age 14 or 15 have limited (state) funding. You would need to contact your
ILP Coordinator for more specifics.
Youth adopted at 16 and over still have the same access to ILP funding & programs as those still In-Care.
Please visit www.voice-for-adoption.org for additional resources available to you as an adopted youth.
9.) I Now Live With My Birth Mother/Father, Am I Still Eligible To Participate In ILP?
You are eligible to participate in ILP programs and funding until your 21st birthday, even if you have been adopted or are back with your birth mother/father. This is provided you were in foster care after your 16th birthday.
10.) I Have Decided to Sign Out of Foster Care Once I Turn 18, Am I Still Eligible to Participate in the ILP?
Yes, youth meeting ILP eligibility requirements while in foster care are eligible for ILP services until age 21 regardless of whether or not they sign out at 18 or choose to remain in foster care until age 21.
Youth who would like to remain In-Care should contact their Case Worker or ILP Coordinator.
Youth must also sign a Consent to Remain in Foster Care (Form 7) PRIOR TO 18 birthday to continue receiving foster care placement support.
QUESTIONS ABOUT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
11.) What Do I Need To Do To Be In & Remain In ILP?
If you are not emancipated, you can contact your Case Manager to enroll in ILP services upon your 14th birthday. You and your case worker will also work on and provide an updated WTLP
12.) What Is A Written Transitional Living Plan (WTLP)?
A Written Transitional Living Plan (
WTLP) is a plan that is developed by and for youth in foster care upon turning 18. The WTLP has individualized goals that are specific to your strengths and
needs as youth grow & develop.
This plan ensures the following:
-That you understand & participate in the development of your plan;
-that the life skills incorporated into the plan explain the ILP specific activities expected from you (i.e. daily chores, study, daily hygiene maintenance, medication compliance, etc.);
-that the responsible, caring, supportive adult in your life is identified and named and is invited to participate in your reviews; and
-that the strengths and needs you have are specified, based on your own input as well as by the outcome of the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment ACLSA).
ACSLA is the life skills assessment that youth take and is designed to help you and your case worker develop your customized life skills teaching plan.
ACLSA needs to be taken at ages 14, 16 & 17 ½ years.
13.) What is the Transitional Living Program (TLP)?
The
Transitional Living Program works with local community partners to provide supportive housing for ILP eligible youth. The program is designed to meet the needs of former foster care youth who
remained in care, are at least 18 but not yet 21. This is provided that the youth demonstrates the skills, knowledge, and stability to successfully maintain a household.
To be considered for TLP:
-Youth between the ages of 18 and 21
-Signed Voluntary Agreement to Remain in Foster Care
-Employment
-Assessment (ACSLA)
-Written Transition Living Plan (WTLP)
-Life Skills Training (employment retention, money management, household and health maintenance)
ILP Coordinator & other relevant stakeholders must conduct a meeting to assess your ability to participate in the TLP program.
ILP Coordinator will issue final approval for admittance into TLP.
Contact your case worker to see if you are eligible for TLP
14.) What is Expected of Me In Regards to Taking Advantage of the ILP Resources?
You are required to participate in ILP activities.
You are required to meet all mandatory deadlines.
You are required to be respectful to all parties you come into contact with on behalf of the ILP and to behave respectfully at ILP functions.
You are required to abide by the Post-Secondary Financial Agreement.
You are required to communicate with your Case Worker & your ILP Coordinator
15.) Im Having Difficulty Attending My Required Trainings, What Should I Do?
VStreet is our web-based training tool for youth where you can watch mini-trainings, take quizzes and earn certificates. The mission of VStreet is to give you the skills and support you'll need to live
independently.
VStreet has many features, which include the following:
-Learn essential life and social skills you'll need through interactive animated curriculums;
-Learn topics such as employment, health, money management, housing, relationships, cooking, transportation, etc.;
-Learn with different program formats to keep your training interesting (short, punchy 'toons, stories, full-length & self-paced curriculums with exercises and worksheets and live group instruction);
-A place to express your ideas, and network with others;
You can also do the following on VStreet :
-Search for friends in your community with similar hobbies and interests
-Personalize your V-room
-Browse or submit your own work to the art gallery or poetry book
-Get into supervised discussions on bulletin boards and chat rooms
-Email friends and staff
-Write confidentially in a private journal & get instant access to national and local help hotlines.
-Vcalendar, address book, and file cabinet.
16.) How Do I Get Duplicates Of My Social Security Card & Birth Certificate?
Some youth will already have these documents, which would have been provided for employment. If not, upon emancipation, contact your caseworker. If you are already an emancipated youth,
please contact your
ILP Coordinator.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT
17.) What Does ILP Offer to Help Get Me Prepared To Find a Job?
Employment via
TeenWork
Vocational/Employment Preparation via Job Readiness
Resources outside of ILP via External Resources & ILP Community Partners.
18.) What is Expected of Me In Regards to Being Employed?
At the age of 16, all youth are expected to begin
Job Readiness Trainings and acquire part-time work. Contact your Case Worker to begin this process.
In order to be eligible to receive funds from ILP for college, you are highly encouraged to have part-time employment. If not, a good reason has to be provided.
To participate in the Transitional Living Program (TLP), full-time employment is required.
19.) Does ILP Provide Transportation For Me To Get Back And Forth To Work?
Depending on your age and circumstances, transportation help may be available to you. Please contact your Case Worker or
ILP Coordinator to determine what type of transportation support is
available.
QUESTIONS ABOUT EDUCATION
20.) What Do I Have To Do To Become Eligible For College Financial Help From ILP?
You must have completed High School/GED
You must abide by ILP Post-Secondary Financial Assistance Agreement
Youth must submit ILP Application by deadline. Your ILP Coordinator is the point person for this.
You are encouraged to be employed & if you are not, a good reason needs to be provided for you to still be eligible for financial help for college.
Your Academic Advisor will provide track requirements for all youth. This academic plan must be provided to your ILP Coordinator within the first semester.
As of 2009, adoptive parents income does not have to be included for FASFA.
For more information, visit the ETV page
21.) Will ILP Pay For Me To Attend College If I Attend A College Or University Out Of The State Of Georgia?
ILP provides assistance for UNMET college expenses based on available ILP funds.
Youth must apply for federal financial aid (FASFA) and apply all aid and scholarship funds towards room, board, tuition books and fees before ILP funding is applied. If additional assistance is needed, after all aid and scholarship have been applied, then ILP will evaluate a students individual need and provide assistance (based on availability of ILP funds).
ILP highly encourages their participants to take advantage of the state of Georgia education assistance programs (such as the HOPE Scholarship. Hope Grant & Pell Grant) and other scholarship resources.
Youth attending college out of state (by choice) funding is limited to $5,000 federal funding only. This dollar amount is accurate as of December of 2008, but is subject to change, so please contact your ILP Coordinator for additional information.
You can also find more scholarship information under Resources & Links.
22.) Is There A Limit To The Amount ILP Will Pay For Me To Attend College?
Yes, ILP does have a limit but each youth must contact
ILP Coordinator for additional information.
All youth needs are assessed on an as-need bases. Unmet need is determined by ensuring that all free and/or community resources are exhausted. ILP assists with financial assistance after all other financial aid, resources, grants, scholarships, personal income, etc. are applied; and then only to maximum funding limits.
ILP assists with unmet needs, which means if you have money of your own, your money is used after financial aid, & then if there is a verifiable need, ILP will assist at that point.
Funding amounts will differ among youth based on a youths individualized need. In addition to need, funding is based on availability.
Below is an outline, updated in December of 2008. Information was the most recent as of that date, but is subject to change; so again, please contact your ILP Coordinator for additional information.
Tiered Process By Age
-Age 18-21 Up to$10,000 per academic year
-Age 21-23 Up to $7,500 per academic year
-Age 23-25 Up to $5,000 per academic year
All ILP deadlines & policies MUST be met--NO EXCEPTIONS
Youth must accurately complete request for financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, available on all school financial aid offices. You also need to accurately complete request for state aid HOPE SCHOLARSHIP, HOPE GRANT, PELL GRANT, etc.).
ILP Application & Post-Secondary Agreement must be completed and signed.
As funding is available and based on the needs of each youth who applies for assistance the amount listed may not be needed for every youth, but is a maximum amount that can be spent on a youth.
Youth attending college out of state (by choice) funding is limited ($5,000 federal funding only).
23.) What Forms Are Required to Initiate ILP Educational Financial Support?
The
ILP Financial Assistance Form is required to initiate educational funds needed during high school.
Summer Enrichment per year ($250)
Non-essential graduation items ($350)
Required graduation items senior fees
Junior Dues (if applicable)
Drivers Education (up to $500)
Educational Enrichment/Extra curriculum (up to $500)
Tutoring/Credit Recovery ($1500 limit for secondary youth per academic year)
-Tutoring Form needs to be completed & approved
-Form must be submitted at least 30 days prior to begin date
-Documentation from the school needs to be attached
24.) Do I Still Have To Apply For Financial Aid Even Though I Will Be Receiving ILP Assistance?
Yes, ILP support assists with UNMET educational needs, which means you need to complete the FASFA in order to identify the level of your UNMET financial need.
You need to provide your student award letter and your FAFSA to your ILP Coordinator to get this process started.
25.) What Educational Services Does ILP Offer Me As A Secondary Youth (Middle & High School)?
Educational/Enrichment Services
Life Skills Trainings via VStreet
Job Training via Job Readiness
Employment Services via TeenWork
Life Skills Assessments via ACLSA
Foster Parent Resources
Summer/Evening School Fees*
Books, Supplies, Tools, Equipment,
Uniforms*
Tutoring
Enrichment & Extracurricular Activities*
High School Senior Graduation Fees
Drivers Education
*All Expenditures Subject to Prior Approval by ILP Coordinator AND As Funds Are Available
26.) What Educational Services Does ILP Offer Me As A Post-Secondary Youth (College, Technical & Vocational)?
PS Application Fees
FAFSA Deadlines Required
Tuition Assistance/Registration & Application Fees
Room & Board Support
Course Books & Supplies
Drivers Education
Tutoring
Testing (ACT, SAT , etc.)
Educational Stipends
Transportation Assistance
Transitional & After-Care Planning
*All Expenditures Subject to Prior Approval by ILP Coordinator AND As Funds Are Available
QUESTIONS ABOUT HOUSING & MEDICAL
27.) Will ILP Provide Me With An Apartment When I Turn 18?
ILP does not locate and secure housing for youth directly. Housing assistance is available to youth who are participating in the
Transitional Living Program. As well, if you are enrolled in a college, vocational or technical school, some housing is covered as a part of post-secondary services.
28.) Does ILP Assist With Emergency Housing, Rent or Utilities?
No, however ILP does provide
emergency funding assistance to help secure housing. ILP can also provide you with outside referrals & resources that may be able to assist. If you have an emergency contact your Case Worker or
ILP Coordinatorto see if you qualify for the Transitional Living Program.
29.) What Services Does ILP Offer To Help Me Learn About Health & Nutrition?
Educational/Enrichment Services Health, Education, Prevention, Drug Awareness & Prevention, Hygiene & Self-Care. Please contact your Case Worker
for more information on this.
30.) What Health Benefits Am I Entitled To?
When you are in-care, you are covered under Medicaid.
When you are After-Care and between the ages of 18 and 21,
Chafee Medicaid coverage is
extended to youth who were in foster care on their 18th birthday.
Applicants will NOT be determined ineligible based on a diagnosis or pre-existing
condition.
The eligibility month is the month following a youths 18th birthday or the month a former foster child (over the age of 18 and under the age of 21).
Subsidized healthcare is also provided with our ILP Partner, Kaiser Permanente Bridge Program
31.) How Do I Get My Health Benefits Reinstated?
If you are an emancipated youth dial the toll free number at 1-877-597-4777. Also read the FAQ #30 above to find out more information on Chafee. If your case is still open, please contact your Case Worker.
32.) What Are Some Organizations With Whom the ILP Has Partnered To Help Me, As A Foster Youth?