Independent Living Program (ILP) - Minnesota

About this resource

ChatGPT said:

There’s a national program called the John H. Chafee Program that gives money to each state and tribe to help current and former foster youth as they grow into adulthood and prepare to leave foster care. This support is often called an Independent Living Program (ILP) or Transitional Age Youth (TAY) services—though the name and exact programs can be different depending on where you live.

These programs offer services and support in areas like:

  • Education (college, training, or GED help)

  • Employment (job readiness and career support)

  • Housing (help finding and affording a place to live)

  • Budgeting and life skills

  • Building a support network

In Minnesota, there are two main ILP options:

  1. STAY Program (Successful Transition to Adulthood for Youth)

    • Helps youth work on their independent living goals

    • What services you get may depend on the county you live in

  2. Extended Foster Care (EFC) to Age 21

    • If you're in foster care when you turn 18, you may be able to stay in care and keep receiving services and financial support up to age 21

If you’re in foster care and part of a Tribe, reach out to your tribal child welfare office to learn how to sign up for Independent Living Program services.

You can also find contact info for the seven Anishinaabe (Chippewa/Ojibwe) reservations and four Dakota (Sioux) communities at the link provided.

These programs are all about helping you build a strong foundation for your future—so don’t be afraid to ask for support!

Who can use this resource (eligibility)?

  • Eligiblility for STAY Program:
    • Youth who are or were previously in foster care for at least 30 days in a row after turning 14
    • Young adults up to age 23 (cannot exceed 24 years old) 
  • Eligibility for Extended Foster Care:
    • Youth must be in foster care immediately before their 18th birthday
    • And Youth must meet at least one of these:
      • Completing college education or a program with similar certification
      • Enrolled in a school/institution that provides college, university, or vocational education
      • Participating in a work program to promote/remove barriers to employment
      •  Employed for at least 80 hours per month
      • Or incapable of doing any of the activities described above to due a medical condition
    • Social workers will help you come up with a plan for extended care