In 1986, the federal government launched the Independent Living Program (ILP) to enable state child welfare agencies to meet the needs of youth transitioning from the foster care or juvenile justice system to independent living.
The Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services provides Independent Living Services (ILP) to foster and emancipated youth between the ages of 16 and 21, helping teens aging out of foster care with basic life skills through different Independent Living Skills programs offered through a variety of program options. The goal of the Independent Living Program is to help foster youth reach their personal and professional goals during their transition to self-sufficiency.
ILP information and resources for: current, former, and prospective ILP youth, child welfare workers, probation officers, foster parents and other caregivers, advocates, and supporters of youth in foster care or on probation can be found at:
