INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

THE INDEPENDENT  LIVING PROGRAM serves youth aging out of foster care, traditional group homes, residential treatment centers, and who are in need of learning to live independently.

Young adults at the age of eighteen often leave the foster care system with few resources and very little support. Factors that could potentially derail their successful transition into adulthood include: unemployment, incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse, unwanted pregnancy, limited education, and inadequate healthcare.

In our program, they can benefit from opportunities to develop the skills necessary from independent living and from access to supportive services that can help them navigate their transition to adulthood.

Our contemporary apartments are well-maintained and offer comfortable, home-like environments.

•  Youth must complete a 4-part training module prior to their entrance (to register email sheriemdavis@mtcastletls.net)
• Youth must be 17 years of age 
• Placed in out-of-home care practicing independent living skills.
• Have a permanency goal of independent living or long term licensed care for up to one year.
• Be able to demonstrate independent living skills as determined by the youth's team and guardian.

Teams should review the following to determine if the youth demonstrates IL skills.

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• Employment (open to working) -making at least minimum wage or higher per month.
• Extra-curricular-activities-appropriate for youth's personal development.
• Saving-Opening a bank account and willing to save.
• Education-participating in full-time educational program if no high school diploma.
• Grades- adequate progress and attendance.
• Assessment of skills-must show that IL is viable.
• Behavior-no irresponsible behaviors prior to requesting entrance into IL. Letter of references from school, mental health professional, foster parent or service worker may be required (discretionary)

WE ALSO USE SCATTERED SITE HOUSING THROUGHOUT THE MILWAUKEE AREA.