Supervised Independent Living Program (SIL)

Guiding Harbor’s Supervised Independent Living (SIL) Program is designed to assist young adults in developing independent living skills, enhancing educational/vocational and career choices while offering employment opportunities. The Supervised Independent Living Program offers services to youth age 16 and older, who are physically and emotionally able to master the skills and experiences offered. The clients referred to this program must have a demonstrated history of functioning at a level appropriate for community-based living.

Youth are placed in homes with home providers or in independent housing. Youth are expected to be self-motivated and responsible for their life choices. A SIL provider is expected to support and encourage the youth in meeting all goals set by the case management plan. There is no training required for this program. Support to the SIL family is provided by a case manager who will also work directly with the youth.

Youth Served

  • Youth served are ages 16 and older
  • Must be enrolled  in school, college, university, vocational program or trade school
  • Must be job-ready or currently employed
  • All youth in independent living must be either employed full-time, actively involved in job training or continuing education, or a combination of employment and education and provide documentation of such
  • The youth must be in compliance with mental health services and/or all medication as prescribed.
  • Must be a Court Ward assigned through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Youth who may not be appropriate for this program are individuals who have academic issues, behavioral issues, and criminal history. Guiding Harbor will assess the youth prior to placement to evaluate and assess the youth’s ability to participate in this program.

Provider requirements

  • Be a mentor
  • Marital Status (can be single, married, separated)
  • Can be related to SIL child (though not birth parents)
  • Must be financially stable
  • Able to produce proof of income and current utility bills
  • Have an approved living situation (apartment, house, mobile home, etc.)
  • Have separate bedroom for SIL child
  • Provide necessary furniture, bedding, towels, cooking, and eating utensils

Benefits of Becoming a Supervised Independent Living Home Provider

  • The satisfaction of helping youth achieve independence and self-reliance
  • Do not have to be a licensed foster parent
  • Receive a daily room and board rate which is paid biweekly or monthly by the child
  • Prior to placement into a SIL home, the youth’s background and behavioral patterns will be discussed
  • Youth’s financial needs are supplemented through state payments
  • Training is given to facilitate a successful placement
  • The child will be monitored at least monthly for program and home compliance

What is the Difference: SIL Home Provider vs. Licensed Foster Parent?

SIL Home Provider

  • Act as a mentor and support for the youth
  • Provide a supportive environment that allows for both exploration and security
  • Youth who live with home providers have a goal to become independent
  • Complete Guiding Harbor Orientation
  • Complete Central Registry Check
  • Complete Criminal History Check
  • Complete Initial Home Assessment, and annual thereafter

Licensed Foster Parent

  • Relative or non-relative adults who step up to temporarily care for the child
  • Provide care and normalcy, while helping prepare them for a permanent placement
  • Complete Orientation
  • Complete Central Registry Check
  • Complete Criminal History Check
  • Complete Home Assessment
  • Fingerprinting
  • Financial Income Check
  • Physical and Mental Health Check
  • Annual Training
  • First Aid and CPR Certified

Youth Referral Packet

Send to Program Supervisor

  • Initial Service Plan (ISP)
  • Most Recent Updated Service Plan (USP)
  • Mental Health Reports
  • Education Information
  • Daniel Memorial Assessment (If Applicable)
  • SIL Home Provider Information (If Applicable)
    • Relationship to youth
    • Length of relationship
    • Name and Contact information

Interested in fostering the independence of youth? 

Learn more about becoming a SIL Home Provider by contacting the Program Supervisor:

Kenya Dobbins

734-412-7960

 

*If you are a provider trying to make a referral, please note that if the youth does not have a potential placement that can be evaluated for appropriateness, we are unable to take the case as we do not have any provider homes at this time.

SIL Handbook

Download the 2020 Supervised Independent Living Program Handbook