1. a) Description

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

2. b) Criteria for Selection

   1. 1) provided that:

      1. A) goals of return home, adoption, and guardianship have been ruled out; and
      2. 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. 2) provided that:

      1. 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
      2. B) the child demonstrates the ability to achieve and maintain progress towards independence through continued cooperation with the service plan; or
   3. 3) provided that the goal of independence has been ordered by the court.

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

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