• Pre-emancipation Life Skills Classes: Weekly life skills and emancipation planning classes covering education and employment, communication skills, health care, rights and responsibilities, financial literacy, and more.

• Project H.O.P.E.: Job readiness training, job search and retention support, career exploration, and other employment and educational opportunities.

• Teen Health Center: Routine medical evaluations, health education services and referrals for mental health services.

• College Tours: Visits to college campuses, including meeting with ILSP alums who attend the colleges being toured.

• Higher Education Application Assistance: Individual support and assistance in preparing college applications.

• Scholarship Application Assistance: Workshops and individual assistance in researching and applying for scholarships at all levels of higher education.

• California Youth Connection: Leadership training and opportunities, including legislative advocacy for current and former foster youth.

• After Care Assistance:  Individual assessments and case management for emancipated youth.

• Nutritional Food Program: During ILSP office hours, nutritional snacks, including sandwiches, milk, and fruit, are available for students to prepare in the ILSP kitchen.

• Holiday Party: Elegant and festive event marking the mid-point of the ILSP year.

• ILSP Graduation: Grand celebration of the students' achievements as they transition to college, vocational training, and the world of work.

In 1986, the federal government launched the Independent Living Program to enable state child welfare agencies to meet the needs of youth preparing to emancipate from foster care. The initial federal funding allowed for ILSP services to be made available to youth ages 16-18 who were dependents of the county or probation wards placed out of home by the juvenile court on or after their 16th birthday. In 1999, the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act doubled the federal budget for ILSP and allowed states to extend services to eligible youth between the ages of 18-21, utilize the funds for room and board for pre-emancipation youth, and to extend MediCal benefits up to age 21. In 2002, the federal government added the Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program, funding former foster and probation youth for up to $5000 per year for higher education up to age 23 if the former foster/probation youth was receiving Chafee support at age 21.

Alameda County was one of the first counties in the state to develop an Independent Living Skills Program, opening its doors in 1987. From its inception, Alameda County ILSP has focused on education, employment, and life skills training. ILSP graduates go on to 4 year colleges, community colleges, vocational training programs, and full time employment. Over the years, a number of ILSP graduates have returned to the program as members of the staff, and currently there are seven ILSP alums on staff.

Youth are referred to ILSP by their child welfare workers or probation officers. Together with the child welfare worker or probation officer, a youth should complete a Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) prior to referral to ILSP, and the TILP should be sent along with the referral form to Therese Marin-Clenney, either via fax (510) 667-7629 or . (If the TILP is not completed prior to referral, the youth will complete a TILP with his or her ILSP trainer, and the TILP will be updated every 6 months.) Referral forms and TILPs are available in the Forms section of this site.