Life Skills

Phoenix Homes, in compliance with Federal and State Standards governing independent living skills, has developed independent living programming for youth ages 13-18 years that need to enhance independent living skills. Phoenix Homes, has embraced the philosophy of providing independent living skills tailored to making the transition into independence and emancipation a natural progression. Youth who may be transitioning into independence will be assisted in finding the following resources to help with this transition while they are in care. These resources may include: finding appropriate living arrangements, assistance in location a source of income, finding affordable health care, identifying transportation resources, assistance in the identification of both peer and adult support. Taking this into account the youth leaving the Phoenix Homes Program will acquire skills that will enable him/her to live a productive life with integration into the community of their choice. Among the skills to be developed are:

  • Money Management/Consumer Awareness
  • Food Management
  • Personal Appearance and Hygiene
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Educational Planning
  • Job Seeking Skills
  • Job Maintenance Skills
  • Emergency and Safety Skills
  • Knowledge of Community Resources
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Legal Skills

Each youth’s skill level will be assessed and determined by conducting the Independent Living Skills Interview and the Independent Living Skills Inventory Part I and II. This is a self-assessment tool completed by the youth and by someone who knows the youth (i.e., significant other, family, or PTF). Independent Living Skills Inventory Part II is completed by the Phoenix Homes’ worker and/or PTF on an ongoing basis after the development of the treatment plan to monitor the youth’s progress toward independent living skills.

The ongoing treatment planning process and modifications in the skill levels can be used to determine further skills to be developed and the point at which the youth is able to move into a self sufficient, independent living arrangement.

Changing lives...
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