Initial internal consistency evidence on the Daniel Memorial Independent Living Assessment: A research note

This study evaluated the internal consistency of the Daniel Memorial Independent Living Assessment (DMILA). This scale has been used extensively in the Independent Living (IL) intervention field with foster care youths across the U.S. in the last two decades. However, DMILA has unknown validity and reliability. The present study was based on a convenience sample and included 49 adults between the ages of 18 and 26 (mean age 20), who emancipated from Florida District 11's foster care system. Data were collected via a mailed survey that included the DMILA test and a pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope. Results suggest that the DMILA assessment has mediocre reliability, with its most consistent subscales being interpersonal skills, money management skills, job seeking skills, and job maintenance skills. Based on statistical item deletion analyses, specific recommendations are concluded for improving the internal consistency of the DMILA scale.