Independent Living Services | Pathway Caring For Children

"Pathway's Independent Living Program is committed to effectively serving the youth of Pathway Caring for Children by expanding their body of knowledge in necessary Life Skills, to improve the utilization of those skills and to prepare them for a successful transition to independent living. We will work in partnership with the youth, Community Service Providers, and Foster Caregivers to prepare youth for a positive transition from the service system. We will make available a number of Independent living resources including the development of a plan that identifies services and supports needed as well as desired and specific steps to obtaining these services to all youth likely to remain in care until age 18."

The Independent Living Program works with all youth ages 12 and older placed in Pathway. Youth are given the Ansell Casey Life Skills Assessment. Once youth are assessed, an individualized independent living plan is created for the youth. Youth and Foster Caregivers work on the goals of the plans in the home together. Foster Caregivers are encouraged to use the everyday teachable moments in the home as additional independent living preparation.

At the age of 16 pathway youth receive an Emancipation Review. This review covers the youth's transitional needs of Housing, Education, Transportation, Employment, Medical, and Money Management. These needs are identified, and resources which have been explored are documented as a means of planning for a smooth transition from care. An adult support system is also documented as a way to keep youth connected with supportive relationships once they have left the care of Pathway. These Emancipation Reviews are updated again yearly as the youth approaches emancipation. Advance planning is essential to ensure a smooth transition.

Pathway also offers independent living instructional groups for our youth. These groups are meant to be a supplement to the everyday learning which takes place in the homes of the Foster Caregivers.

The Life Skills/Independent Living groups at Pathway are an important part of each youth age 12 and older individualized treatment plan. While the groups are a requirement, they often provide the youth an opportunity to grow in many other ways besides, the area of knowledge of necessary Life Skills.

The independent living groups provide Pathway youth an opportunity to establish friendships with peers that have experienced similar circumstances along their life's journeys. The youth are able to identify with each other and create friendships that last once groups have concluded.

The independent living groups provide the youth with a sense of "belonging." Often, youth in care, have a hard to making and keeping positive friendships at school. Participation in the independent living groups allows them to be a part of and accepted in a group setting.

The independent living groups provide the youth with an opportunity to boost their self-esteem. Often, when group first begins, some youth will be shy and unwilling to participate because of this. However, after a few sessions, the youth have gained the courage to speak in front of a small group, and feel comfortable enough to ask questions and participate in all aspects of the group.

Finally, the independent living groups provide the youth training in 41 established areas of necessary life skills. This training is provided through small group settings, using different forms of professional curriculum. We also provide training through the use of interactive group discussion of life application of the material, and hands on learning experiences.