History of TIL in Broward County

One hundred and fifty youth “age out” of foster care each year in Broward County. These vulnerable youth are in need of housing, employment, education, and other support services. In the fall of 2003, concerned community leaders convened a task force to address the issue of transitioning youth. A strategic plan was completed to further define the situation in our local community. The Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Strategic Plan stated that “the community must design a response strategy, built on best practices for serving teens’ needs”. The task force recognized the need for a Transitional Independent Living Coordinator to identify resources currently available, assess existing gaps in services, and facilitate the development and coordination of the resources to support a system of care. United Way of Broward County and the Community Foundation of Broward jointly supported this position, which was filled in January of 2006 and is housed at United Way of Broward County.

The Transitional Independent Living System of Care Plan quickly emerged with the support of the TIL Coordinator. The collaborative team of stakeholders which included youth, funders, providers, legislators, and community leaders from the child welfare, social service, education, housing, and employment systems worked hand in hand to develop an integrated, comprehensive plan. The process included data review, root cause analysis, resource mapping, gaps and needs identification, strategy development, action steps execution, and outcome measurement.

Did you know? Forty percent of former foster care youth were unemployed 12 to 18 months after leaving care. Former foster care youth are 3 times more likely than their same-age peers to be in prison or on probation, and 17 times more likely to be homeless.