The Transition to Independence Program is for youth ages 14 to 24. The program is unique in that it focuses on a youth’s individual goals while helping them practice independent living skills, how to communicate goals and dreams to adults, how to seek support, and how to plan for their future. The Transition to Independence Program does this by building one on one working relationships with youth to help them reach their goals. The program employs real life skills practice, volunteer work to practice job skills, and fun group outings as ways to keep youth engaged in their communities and help them become independent.
Transition Facilitators are not only trained to overall case management duties but also understand that as young people approach adulthood, that it’s important for them to begin making decisions for themselves and so services focus on building that independence. Transition Facilitators are highly trained in the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) as well as are required to have a bachelors degree in mental health or a related field with experience working with transitional aged youth. The TIP Supervisor provides regular support to TF’s and transitional aged youth in order to assist with high quality transition services.
Our transitional services also offer the support of peer support specialists as an additional level of care (when appropriate) by pairing our youth with individuals who are able to provide support, guidance, understanding and advocacy from a peer level. Peer Support Specialists are trained in the TIP model, have experience in the mental health field and have a high school diploma or GED.
Transition Facilitators have a low ration of clients (10:1) to ensure that they have the ability to provide hands-on interventions on a regular basis, which helps youth and young adults to learn skills faster to ensure they are prepared to be independent.
The Transition to Independence program works with youth and individuals they have identified as key players in their lives to help increase knowledge and skills in;
Each Transition Facilitator has a passion for working with youth and young adults and understands the difficulties that are involved when preparing to be an independent adult. Each Transition Facilitator has experience in working with this population and are not only versed in helping youth and young adults to meet their needs but also in helping them to understand that they are in control of their lives and are in charge of their transition to independence.