Are you currently on Independent Living through the Ministry of Children and Family Development?
If you are finding it tough to cope, remember that you are not alone. We are here to help you find and keep a place to live and to help you find the stuff you need to make it a home.
We will help you budget and show you how to shop wisely. We will also help you find employment.
Contact us today to get started.
The Small Print…which we will explain to you anyway…
Vision
To provide referred youth a program that will address the various skills and issues that are fundamental to live independently and successfully in our community.
Philosophy
The Independent Living program, under the auspices of Community Options Society, believes that services available should enable, foster and support the growth for self-determination through personal awareness of process, choice and responsibility.
Rationale
* To provide continuity of relationship between youth and the specified worker
* To offer youth in care that are moving toward an independent lifestyle the opportunity for programming to be client centered and versatile
* To provide effective case planning, coordination and supervision within the agency and its community partnerships
Target Groups
High Risk/high need youth 16-18 years of age in the Cowichan Valley (including Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, and Crofton) that are:
1. In Continuing Care with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and planning for their independence
2. Are currently on Independent Living through the Ministry of Children and Family Development
3. Youth on “Your Agreements” through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Objectives of the service
a) To provide life skill development and support to youth (16-18 years of age) in continuing care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development, who are in the process toward Independent Living status, or youth currently on a Youth Agreement through The Ministry of Children and Family Development.
b) To provide follow up services, advocacy and support to those youth (17-19 years of age) that have already established Independent Living status with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and currently reside on their own.
c) When applicable, to provide Educational and or Vocational support, one on one tutoring and the exploration of options to educational paths, to those specified youth in the process of or currently maintaining Independent Living status with the Ministry of Children and Family Development
Activities of Service
a) To assist and support youth in obtaining and maintaining appropriate and safe accommodation to those referred youth. This may include, accommodation search, landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities information, home management and furnishings.
b) To assist and teach youth in areas concerning their personal finances. This may include, establishing bank accounts, budgeting of allocated funds provided and comparison-shopping.
c) To assist and teach youth on issues pertaining to their employment/vocational skills. This may include, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, job readiness skills, enrollment/ registration and assessment/referral.
d) To provide emotional support and counselling for those specified youth on various social issues that may be impacting their lives. These issues may include, drug/alcohol misuse, family issues, mental health concerns, and relationship matters.
e) To assist and support youth around a variety of issues impacting their physical health. These issues may include, doctor/medical check-ups, sexuality/birth control and diet/nutrition.
f) To assist youth in obtaining proper legal advice, court support and support in attendance at any appointments necessary.
g) To assist and support youth in communications and meetings with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and other community resources in the community.
h) To provide access to appropriate transportation to meetings, counselling sessions and educational, housing and employment opportunities.
i) To provide information to and referrals for other agencies and programs that will best meet the needs of the specified youth.
j) To provide outreach, assessment and case integration, case planning, coordination, advocacy, referral for those youth either planning for or currently on Independent Living. In the future, those youth may also include youth receiving assistance from the Ministry of Children and Family Development through a Youth Agreement.