Every Family. Every Child. Every Time.
Residential Services
 

Independent Living Programs

In 1988, we created the Independent Living Programs, to help older teens develop a high level of self-sufficiency as they transition from dependent to independent living. These programs are overseen by our program director, Bryan Block and include:

  • Community Based Life Skills - a year-long program for adolescents in the DCF system of care to help them gain independence.
  • Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) - begun in 1996, this program consists of supervised scattered site apartments for DCF committed youth 18 years and older to provide support and guidance in their final steps toward independence.

Community Based Life Skills

Since 1988, the Bridge Family Center has offered Community Based Life Skills (CBLS) to youth committed to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

The program assists adolescents (16 years of age and older) referred by a DCF social worker to begin to develop a high level of self-sufficiency as they move from dependent to independent living. The CBLS program teaches a variety of life skills and acquaints young people with the resources in their communities. Participants are offered incentives to continue the program and are paid a stipend upon successful completion. The year-long program combines a core curriculum, group work, and a community-awareness segment and includes six months of individualized instruction. Topics covered may include: decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving; financial management; career planning, job search, and interviewing skills; and housing search and household management skills. 

Group discussions make the information presented in the classroom more relevant, and provide a forum where our young residents can discuss their expectations and fears about living on their own. Peer support helps relieve anxiety as they prepare for independence.

Guest speakers from the community provide useful information and serve as community models and resource contacts. Residents go on field trips to various community agencies and services that provide firsthand knowledge of job opportunities, available housing, banking services, community healthcare etc. 

The emphasis on both self-reliance and community resources helps reduce the isolation adolescents feel, as well as encouraging them to begin assuming responsibility for managing their own lives. A follow up study of CBLS graduates showed that the majority are now living on their own, employed, budgeting their income, and making their own decisions. Some have gone on to college or vocational school, and many have expressed an interest in doing so in the future.

Community Housing Assistance Program

The Bridge Family Center initiated the Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) in 1996. This supervised, scattered site apartment program for DCF youths, 17 years and older, provides support and guidance on the final step to independent, responsible adulthood. Skill development begun in Community Based Life Skills is put into practice and youth begin to establish themselves in a community. Full-time education, part-time work, and financial savings are integral to the program.

 

 

 

 

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