Independent Living
It is the responsibility of Independent Living to provide the young person, aging out of the system, with the tools needed to be successful. This process begins any time after the age of 16, provided the person will be on their own after leaving care.
The young people are a variety of living arrangements when independent living begins. The change in focus does not affect their living arrangements and they will remain in their current placement, be it foster care, group home or residential facility. Many of the young adults are teen moms in foster care or homes specially designed to assist teen moms with caring for their children.
The young adults are assisted with job placement, education on community resources, housing, obtaining a driver’s license, higher education, legal issues, and relationship skills. The work with this age group is intense. You have to be able to handle the following, seeing the children often , meeting with the foster providers, attending school meetings, therapy, medical appointments if necessary and assessing their life skills in order to know where the young person is in preparation for independence.
The young adult's progress continues to be monitored every 6 months by the court.
If the young adults are placed within York County they are encouraged to participate in the Motivated Youth Living Independent, Free and Emancipated (M.Y.L.I.F.E.) program. This group assists with the above listed goals in a group setting so the various young adults may form a connection with their peers as well as work goals for independence. The members attend a week-long camp; which unites young adults with similar backgrounds, from all over the state and allows them to stretch their developing skills. There is a $300 stipend provided upon completion of M.Y.L.I.F.E. and/or graduation from high school as well.
The State of Pennsylvania is very invested in offering young adults independent living skills. The state provides Scholastic Aptitude Test waivers and grant money, for independent living students. There are several higher education scholarships available as well.
Once a young person is discharged, aftercare services are available to assist the young adult’s transition, provide emotional support and to assist the young adult with accessing the necessary community resources.
Independent Living
It is the responsibility of Independent Living to provide the young person, aging out of the system, with the tools needed to be successful. This process begins any time after the age of 16, provided the person will be on their own after leaving care.
The young people are a variety of living arrangements when independent living begins. The change in focus does not affect their living arrangements and they will remain in their current placement, be it foster care, group home or residential facility. Many of the young adults are teen moms in foster care or homes specially designed to assist teen moms with caring for their children.
The young adults are assisted with job placement, education on community resources, housing, obtaining a driver’s license, higher education, legal issues, and relationship skills. The work with this age group is intense. You have to be able to handle the following, seeing the children often , meeting with the foster providers, attending school meetings, therapy, medical appointments if necessary and assessing their life skills in order to know where the young person is in preparation for independence.
The young adult's progress continues to be monitored every 6 months by the court.
If the young adults are placed within York County they are encouraged to participate in the Motivated Youth Living Independent, Free and Emancipated (M.Y.L.I.F.E.) program. This group assists with the above listed goals in a group setting so the various young adults may form a connection with their peers as well as work goals for independence. The members attend a week-long camp; which unites young adults with similar backgrounds, from all over the state and allows them to stretch their developing skills. There is a $300 stipend provided upon completion of M.Y.L.I.F.E. and/or graduation from high school as well.
The State of Pennsylvania is very invested in offering young adults independent living skills. The state provides Scholastic Aptitude Test waivers and grant money, for independent living students. There are several higher education scholarships available as well.
Once a young person is discharged, aftercare services are available to assist the young adult’s transition, provide emotional support and to assist the young adult with accessing the necessary community resources.