14. Independent Living Program

The Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) and The University of Pittsburgh, PA Child Welfare Resource Center (CWRC) Independent Living Project, are two distinct programs managed by the Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families, both serving the same population of youth in foster care.  Recognizing the critical overlap in our mission, SWAN and the CWRC IL Project formed a collaborative partnership aimed at increasing permanency for older youth and creating a permanent support network for youth at risk of aging out of the system.

It is essential for both SWAN and IL workers to understand the value of their joint efforts and ensure that every eligible youth receives services from both programs.  SWAN and IL services focus on preparing youth for a successful transition to adulthood while also working with youth to identify and secure permanent connections.  When SWAN and IL workers support each other’s roles, they create a more cohesive and effective array of services that significantly benefits the youth. Effective collaboration between SWAN and IL workers can substantially enhance a youth’s level of engagement in their permanency planning process. When both systems work together, it helps ensure that the youth receive the full range of available permanency services and supports. The IL worker should be actively included as a member of the permanency team, especially when developing and implementing SWAN Units of Service such as the Child Preparation Plan and Child Specific Recruitment Plan. This level of coordination promotes a more holistic and youth centered approach to planning and reinforces a shared responsibility for supporting successful outcomes as youth prepare to transition from care.

The following link will provide you with a directory of addresses and phone numbers for County Children and Youth Agencies in Pennsylvania as well as private providers of independent living services. https://www.payab.pitt.edu/IL_Contacts.htm