Independent living services can be a very confusing area for many of us. One of the most critical issues is when services are to begin and what is required in the way of an initial assessment. This may help. It's particularly important that you ensure that the initial assessment is concluded on a timely basis and filed with you as the guardian ad litem.

If a youth comes into care at thirteen years old, do we have to wait until they have been in care for six months to begin independent living services?

Each child in the custody of the department shall be referred for independent living services thirty days prior to his or her thirteenth birthday. A child placed in the custody of the department after his or her thirteenth birthday shall be referred within thirty days after the court enters an order placing the child in the custody of the department.

Each child in the custody of the department shall receive a pre-independent living assessment within thirty days after his or her thirteenth birthday. A child placed in the custody of the department after his or her thirteenth birthday shall be assessed within sixty days after the court enters an order placing the child in the custody of the department. The results of the assessment shall be filed with the court and served on all parties.