Section 315.235  Independence

a)         Description

            The minor over age 15 will be in substitute care pending independence.

b)         Criteria for Selection

            Independence may be selected as the permanency goal for a minor over age 15:

1)         provided that:

A)        goals of return home, adoption, and guardianship have been ruled out; and

B)        either an assessment has been made and the child has demonstrated the ability, capability, and willingness to care for him or herself, has become economically self-sufficient and/or is establishing a family of his or her own; or

2)         provided that:

A)        an assessment has been made that a child who has a physical or mental disability demonstrates the ability, capability and willingness to care for themselves with proper support; and

B)        the child demonstrates the ability to achieve and maintain progress towards independence through continued cooperation with the service plan; or

3)         provided that the goal of independence has been ordered by the court.

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 7720, effective May 24, 2002)