Independent Living Programs Hawaii

Information for Service Providers and Partners

"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
- Dr. Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go!

Pandemic Relief for Foster Youth

Update:  
Foster Youth Pandemic Payments ended in September 2021.
400 checks were distributed to young adults ages 18-26.

Pandemic Care Kits are now available to youth currently in foster care.
(Ages 14-17 only)
Call 1-844-588-4682 for more info
Life after foster care can be challenging and confusing. The DHS Independent Living Program (ILP) helps young people become informed. develop skills, and build connections to strengthen their transition to life on their own, creating success at all levels.

​Resources for:

Young people in foster care, ages 12-18, currently in placement through Hawaiʻi CWS. Young people previously in care with Hawaiʻi CWS, ages 18-21, transitioning from care into adult self-sufficiency. 

Independent Living Program is funded at both the federal and state level in accordance with Public Law 106-169, Sec. 477 - John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
This site is a partnership between EPIC ʻOhana, Inc. and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Services Branch.

Independent Living Collaborative (ILC)

The Independent Living Collaborative (ILC) is a statewide effort in Hawaiʻi to develop and provide comprehensive independent living services to support and promote the successful transition of young people from foster care to adulthood. 

Get the ILC App on Android or Apple

ILC Partners 
ILC Partners provide case management for Independent Living Services, Higher Education, and Imua Kākou

 Imua Kākou

Imua Kākou is a program in Hawaiʻi that helps young adults who exit foster care at 18 or older to build a successful future.
Eligibility
Contact
Application
Questions

Higher Education

Helps meet living expenses while attending an accredited academic or vocational institution of higher learning. Benefits of $776 per month may be provided for up to 60 months from age 18 until age 27. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Between the age 18 - 27
  • Completed High School
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Apply at least six months before the age of 27
  • Apply for other scholarships and financial aid
  • Able to show progress by attendance and grades toward completion of higher learning 

Education Training Voucher (ETV)

Federal guidelines allow up to $5,000 per year toward the cost at an accredited institution of higher learning for eligible youths.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Between the ages of 18-25​
  • Transitioned/ Aged out of Hawaiʻi DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
    • OR Adopted at age 16 or older from Hawaiʻi Foster Care
    • OR Legal Guardianship to a RELATIVE at age 16 or older from Hawaiʻi DHS Foster Care
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress ("C" or better)
  • Documentation of financial need

HI H.O.P.E.S. Board

The Hawaiʻi Helping Our People Envision Success (HI H.O.P.E.S.) Youth Leadership Boards are comprised of current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 26. Their roles are to educate, collaborate, and advocate for improved outcomes for young people impacted by care. 

Interested In Joining the HI H.O.P.E.S. Board? 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- You are currently or were formerly in foster care
- You are between the ages of 14 and 25 
- You live at either of these locations: on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, or in Kona or Hilo
- You have the time and willingness to ATTEND and PARTICIPATE fully in monthly meetings and other training, events and advocacy work
If you meet the eligibility and want to make a difference, then click the button below and fill out our application

 HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program
Open up two free savings accounts and learn how to get $3000 matched toward the purchase of a car, laptop, and more!

Attend our financial literacy courses and learn about credit, money management, and how to save for the future! When you complete our courses, you will earn $140 and be enrolled in HI H.O.P.E.S. Match. Participants must attend all classes.

You are eligible for this program if you are between the age of 17-25 and spent time in foster care after the age of 14.

​E Makua Ana Youth Circle

​Youth Circles (YC) serve current and former foster youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system, and former foster young adults navigating their post-CWS world. As a process, YC provide a safe space for young people to think about their future and explore their options. Youth Circles kindle hope. 
Learn more about Youth Circle
Pono Process
The Pono Process is an additional support for children and youth in foster care to use in the event that their rights are not honored or upheld. 
Picture
Act 105 Bill Signing, July 5, 2018
Rights of Children in Foster Care
If you are currently in foster care in Hawai'i, you have rights!  You can speak with your social worker, GAL/CASA, or judge about your rights.

Contact Information: 

Call us at (808) 748-7055
Email us at modo@epicohana.org

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* This site is a partnership between EPIC ʻOhana, Inc. and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services.
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