Independent living aftercare services are available on a voluntary basis to youth 18 to 21 years old who were in out-of-home placement on their 18th birthday or after attaining the age of 16 exited to kinship guardianship or adoption. Independent living aftercare goals are designed to complement the efforts of former foster care recipients between 18 to 21 years old to achieve self-sufficiency by providing: Financial assistance to purchase goods and services; Temporary assistance with room, board and utilities; Counseling; Employment assistance; Education; Medical assistance; and Other appropriate services to assist with self-sufficiency. Youth are eligible to participate in independent living aftercare services if they: Are 18 to 21 years of age; and Have exited from out-of-home placement after attaining the age of at least 18; or After attaining the age of 16 exited to kinship guardianship or adoption. Participate in the development of a service agreement and sign and comply with its terms; and Need continued help in making the transition to self-sufficiency. Youth who apply for independent living aftercare services shall: Meet eligibility requirements; Receive services from the local department in the jurisdiction in which they reside; and Be subject to an intake screening process by the local department to determine appropriateness of aftercare services. Youth age 18 to 21 years old receiving independent living aftercare services may be provided assistance with room and board that may include: Shared housing; or Independent housing. All Maryland foster youth who were in foster care at 18 years old are eligible to continue to receive medical assistance up to 26 years old in the foster care category. Services may be provided for up to 180 days. Services may be extended with authorization from the local director or the local director's designee. Youth may reapply for services up to 21 years old.