The EIP was effective 1/1/06 and a total of five hundred and six (506) youth have applied
for the Program. Sixteen have been denied because they did not meet the stated
qualifications. As of May 19, 2008, one hundred and eleven youth (111) have been
approved for participation during FFY08. There are 248 currently being served and 242
have successfully completed the program.
Strengthen and Help Youth Prepare For and Enter Post-Secondary Training and
Educational Institutions by Employing Specific Strategies
A. Referrals of Youth with Developmental and Learning Disabilities to the Division of
Clinical Services
The Department distributed a Policy Guide on July 1, 2005 to all caseworkers regarding
the transition to the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment tool. The Policy Guide
specifically states that the tool is not appropriate to assess youth with developmental and
learning disabilities. The Guide directs caseworkers to refer these youth to the
Administrator for Developmental Disability Services in the Division of Clinical Services.
In addition, the revised Procedures 302, Appendix M – Transition Planning for
Adolescent Wards also contains the same directive to caseworkers. In some instances
caseworkers have attempted to use the ACLSA tool and subsequently make a referral to
the life skill program. Life skill providers will attempt to deliver services to the youth.
B. Educational Training for Youth Graduating from High School
o DCFS youth graduating from high school have always had access to assistance with
college preparation, etc. through their caseworker and/or the Education Advisor for
their region. In the fall of 2007, the Department implemented Annual High School
Academic Planning Meetings where the youth, caseworker, caregiver, and other
relevant participants develop an Annual High School Academic Plan. The Planning
Meetings occur each year of the high school career. The primary focus of the junior
and senior year meetings is on the youth’s post-secondary plans, including but not
limited to, participating in college tours, registering for and taking the ACT/SAT,
completing financial aid forms, etc.
The Alternative Schools Network Project New Futures program provides pre and post
graduation transition services for DCFS youth in and graduating from the Alternative
Schools Network Youth Scholars, Skills and Service program. There are transition
staff at the schools and full time staff that provide these services to the youth. Project
New Futures has served 187 DCFS youth in SFY 08.
Services rendered by previously mentioned, Project New Futures and Work Attitude
School Study Youth Programs (WASSUP), are critical in providing educational
training for youth graduating from high school. In addition, as mentioned previously,
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