In 2004 The Bridge Family Center opened Youth in Transition (YIT),
a model transitional living program for homeless youth. YIT is
designed for young adults ages 16 to 21, including pregnant and
parenting teens, who are not part of the state system of care.
The goal of Youth in Transition is to successfully transition
homeless youth to independent living. YIT uses a unique
“step-forward” system designed to guide young people through
graduated stages of increasing self-sufficiency during their
participation in the program.
Youth
in Transition consists of three sections which may be accessed
by participants in whole or in part. Initially, the program
provides resources, referrals and support at the level needed by
the young adult. Secondly, if needed, the youth goes through a
group life skills training class. Thirdly, a few qualified
candidates are set up in supported, semi-supervised apartments
in their communities.
Youth in Transition provides the following services:
·
Life Skills
training and individual and group counseling to assist homeless
youth in developing both the skills and the personal
characteristics needed to enable them to live independently
·
Education and
information aimed at preventing and reducing substance abuse
·
Appropriate
referrals and access to medical and mental health treatment
·
Preparation for
and help in obtaining employment
·
Assistance with
preparing for and obtaining secondary, and where feasible,
post-secondary education and/or vocational training
·
Assistance for
pregnant and parenting homeless youth with the skills and
knowledge necessary to become more effective parents and lead
productive and independent lives.
·
Safe and stable
transitional housing
Following intake into the program, each participant is assigned
a case manager who coordinates services and provides referrals.
During an initial meeting with the youth, the case manager
begins addressing service and health needs and helps the youth
complete an Individual Transitional Living Plan (ITLP),
providing an outline of personal goals and selecting program
activities to build skills and reinforce strengths. The case
manager meets at least weekly with the youth.
Upon successful completion of the Youth in Transition program,
young people will be living independently, managing their own
finances, maintaining a household, planning and preparing meals
for themselves (and their children, if applicable), attending
school and/or pursuing a career and maintaining connections to a
comprehensive network of community support and resources.
Youth in Transition has evolved from a deep appreciation for the
potential of young people to learn from their mistakes and
create new paths. Through caring relation-ships, the
communication of high expectations, and opportunities for
learning, participation, and contribution, YIT gives homeless
youth a chance to live a productive and independent life.
Program Staff
Victoria Merriam is
the director of the Independent Living Program (ILP). She is
trained in leadership development and remedial education. Under
her direction, the ILP has grown to include not only Community
Life Skills, but Community Housing Assistance, and Youth in
Transition. Other key staff include a clinician and case
managers who monitor individual participants.
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