Department of Children's Services
Kathryn “Kate” O’Day, Commissioner

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What is the difference between Post Custody and Transitional Living?
The Office of IL offers two forms of support to youth who age out of foster care. The first, that traditionally known as Post Custody, is a federally funded program which requires that a youth have a valid educational or job training plan and comply with Program guidelines. Youth must maintain a minimum grade point average or satisfactory progress in their program of study to retain eligibility.

The Office of IL also recognizes that some youth who age out of foster care are not vested in pursuing a traditional education or job-training plan, but may have need for ongoing support in order to be successful. These youth are typically referred to the Transitional Living Program for support services in the areas of employment, job-training, life skills, money management and ongoing intensive case management through our contracted services. Youth receiving this service meet with a case manager weekly and build skill sets that assist them in success as adults.

How do I get my youth to get the money they are entitled to?
Although services provided to youth and young adults in Tennessee are not an entitlement, they are designed to assist youth in their own quest for increasing self-sufficiency skills and their move toward successful adulthood. Youth and their teams should not view services provided by IL as money but as supports for living interdependently. Once a youth’s team has identified a need for a particular service or support, the request should be made to the local IL Specialist. Once eligibility and availability of funding and service provision are verified, the Office of IL will coordinate funding for the service, if warranted.

Who is responsible for the Interdependent Living Plan that all youth are required to have?
Policy 16.51 states that all youth, age 14 and up will have an Interdependent Living Plan established concurrently with their Permanency Plan. The Plan is to be developed within the context of the child and family meeting process and should be drafted by the Family Service Worker concurrently with the Plan.

What do I do for youth on my caseload who have mental health and mental retardation issues?
Policy guidance is provided in Policy 19.7 and 19.8 for transitioning youth with mental retardation or mental health issues. In these policies, workers may find the appropriate procedure for making referrals for adult support. Each Region also has a liaison for these purposes and can be sought for technical assistance and support in accessing these services. IL Specialists are also available to provide guidance and support for teams in making these referrals.

Why does my IL Specialist not attend all IL meetings?
IL Specialists are supportive staff who serve to provide technical assistance and guidance on adolescent permanency and transitioning issues. As each Region is assigned limited specialist positions, they may not be available to attend each meeting but are available for consultation and case specific support when needed. It is important that all cases be discussed with the regional IL Specialist to inform and promote the planning process for these youth as they near adulthood.