Adolescent Services

Supervised Independent Living (SIL) is designed for dependent and delinquent youth in Philadelphia between 17 and 20 years of age. The clients reside in the communities of their choice and live on their own with agency supports while preparing for emancipation from the child welfare system. This program teaches life skills and prepares the clients to live independent of the adult welfare system. Through group activities and monthly meetings the youth address many of the issues they face while living on their own, such as landlord negotiations, heating assistance and budgeting.

The Adolescent Initiative Program (AIP) is comprised of four components designed to address the needs of youth who are aging out of the foster care system in Bucks County. The independent living (IL) component provides life skills training and supportive services for adolescents aged 16 to 18 in the county’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. With a focus on the skills necessary for self-sufficiency, IL offers a series of classes that address a wide range of topics including resume writing, nutrition, housing and money management. The board extension component allows the continuation of services until the age of 21. Youth who participate in a board extension are required to be enrolled in a post-secondary education program and hold a part-time job. These youth are supervised by both the Tabor board extension specialist and the county worker to ensure that they receive the support necessary to successfully complete their education and prepare to live independently. The aftercare component offers services to youth who have aged out of the foster care system at age 18 and have not opted for a board extension. Offered on an as-needed basis, this service provides short-term support and guidance with work, school and housing until the age of 21. The AIP mentoring program matches AIP youth, ages 16 to 21, who are preparing to leave the foster care system with adult mentors who will support the efforts of AIP workers to guide the youth toward independence. To learn more about the AIP mentoring program or to find out how to volunteer, please view the brochure. AIP provides this continuum of services in order to afford foster youth their best opportunity for a successful transition to independence and adulthood.