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We have found that children and adolescents entering our residential treatement program are often in need of support and education to develop social competencies and skills for independent living.
Applewood has developed a formal, 18-week, developmentally appropriate independent living (IL) skills program. It is our work to help young people learn IL skills while also manage mental health symptoms and life stressors. Teaching and counseling around IL skills is essential to the lifelong success of the young people we serve.
Who can participate in IL?
All youth, ages 16 and older, who are clients in the agency’s residential treatment program are provided with IL skills programming. Before beginning IL skills programming, youth are assessed by treatment staff using the CASEY Life Skill Inventory and Assessment. The results are reviewed with the young person and are incorporated into the individual service plan.
About the program
The program is administered in accordance with Ohio guidelines and its 12 core competencies:
- academic support
- post secondary education support
- career preparation
- employment programming and/or vocational training
- financial assistance
- housing education and home management
- health education and risk prevention
- family support and healthy marriage education
- mentoring and peer/community support
- room and board financial assistance
- independent living transition
The daily milieu is organized, well structured, predictable and consistent, yet allows for adaptive flexibility and spontaneity. Routines are established and supervised by the treatment team members; “framed” or regulated by rules and expectations. They address all aspects of the client’s development: psychological, cognitive, emotional, physical, hygienic, nutritional, and, if the client so chooses, spiritual. Youth are also provided instruction with laundry skills, money management, leisure and recreation skills, and emergency safety. Youth can participate in “transition” groups that will allow them to practice skills in the community as they prepare for discharge.
The program uses worksheets, books, activities and discussion topics taken from “Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own” 4th Edition” (Pestalozzi 2009) and “Do You Have What It Takes? A Comprehensive Guide to Success After Foster Care, By Teens Who Have Been There” (Hurley 2009). Additional articles and materials are used to help facilitate understanding and practice skills.
Services are facilitated by clinically licensed staff (LSW, PC, PCC, LISW) and qualified mental health specialists who are educated and experienced in working with youth with severe mental health and behavioral issues. The health and wellness groups mentioned above are co-facilitated by licensed nurses.
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