ACYF-IM-88-24 November 25, 1988

ACF Administration for Children and Families	U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children, Youth and Families
	1. Log No.: ACYF-IM-88-24	2. Issuance Date: November 25, 1988
	3. Originating Office: Children's Bureau
	4. Key Word: FY 1989 Independent Living

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

TO: Independent Living Coordinators/Administrators of State Agencies Administering or Supervising the Administration of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.

SUBJECT: FY 1989 Independent Living Initiatives

BACKGROUND: On November 10, 1988 the President signed Public Law 100-647 (the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988) which extends the authorization of the Independent Living Initiatives program through fiscal year 1989, at a level of $45 million. We will soon be issuing a formal Program Instruction which will provide official and detailed instructions to the States.

PURPOSE: This memorandum is being issued at this time because there are some features of the new law with which States should become familiar prior to the issuance of the Program Instruction. A copy of the new law is attached.

INFORMATION: The provisions which States should be aware of now are:

The new law permits States to spend unobligated fiscal year (FY) 1987 Independent Living funds through the end of FY 1989 (September 30, 1989). Also, States will be required to submit to the Department of Health and Human Services a report on FY 1988 activities by January 1, 1989, and an application for FY 1989 funds before February 1, 1989. Detailed instructions will be contained in the Program Instruction.
The new law permits States to provide Independent Living services to non-title IV-E-eligible foster care youth over the age of 16. States will also be permitted to provide services for up to six months after older youth are discharged from foster care. States are prohibited, however, from using Independent Living funds for the provision of room and board.

We expect that this early alert will enable States to prepare and submit a timely report on FY 1988 Independent Living activities by January 1, 1989 and to prepare an application for FY 1989 Independent Living Funds in time for it to reach the appropriate Regional Office before February 1, 1989. State allocations for FY 1989 will be the same as they were for FY 1988.

INQUIRIES TO: Regional Administrators, OHDS, Regions I - X

/s/
Dodie Truman Borup
Commissioner