The guidelines established by DCFS involve a five-step licensing process for becoming a foster parent. If you have old car seats, toys, clothes, etc. Young adults in the program receive financial and personal support through case managers in order to learn skills that will be necessary to live independently of support from the state. Life skills such as employment and job maintenance, household management and use of community resources are developed through practical tasks. Participants also receive counseling support in order to build personal strengths that will create a foundation for newly developed practical skills.
Young adults live in community housing in a neighborhood of their choice.
While in this residence, youth are expected to live according to lease agreements, and hold the responsibility of maintaining the lease. Youth also manage, with case manager guidance, all financial commitments to keep the residence. This level of responsibility helps youth to structure other areas of their life in a manner that provides a secure environment. Young adults are visited in the residence between 1 and 4 times weekly. Participants are assigned to one of two programs that vary in intensity of support and supervision depending on the participant's experience with managing life decisions.