Adolescent Semi-Independent Living Program (ASIL)
Familylinks Adolescent Semi-Independent Living (ASIL) Program is a long-term residential program for youth ages 16-18 who are involved with the Child Welfare System or Juvenile Justice System and transitioning to adulthood. ASIL provides comprehensive and individualized semi-independent living assessment and competency development services to adolescents in preparation for independent community living and transition to adulthood. This program offers supervised apartment living in a residential community. Each apartment houses two to three teenagers, and has a living room, dining room, kitchen facilities, bathroom and bedrooms.
To help participating teens prepare for healthy, productive independent living, ASIL offers:
- A structured, supervised living arrangement.
- Life skills training in areas such as money management, consumer awareness, food management, health/hygiene, career exploration, decision making, utilization of community resources and more.
- Assistance in the development of individual life plans with realistic goals and objectives.
- Assistance with appropriate vocational, educational and/or employment opportunities.
- Access to other community programs.
- Help in finding affordable housing.
- Individual, group and/or family counseling.
- Mental health and substance abuse services.
- Transportation to attend appointments, work, school and home visits.
- Medical services including physicals, vision care, hearing care, pre-natal care and more.
- Driver's training.
- Aftercare services upon completing the program and moving into the community.
All residents begin with a four-week orientation period and move into a five-stage program, acquiring more responsibility and privileges along the way. The stages are as follows:
- Stage 1: Self Maintenance
- Stage 2: Job Search
- Stage 3: Budgeting
- Stage 4: Apartment Search
- Stage 5: Graduation
WHY IT WORKS
ASIL is an excellent choice for teenagers on the road to independence. Real-life apartment living is supported by 24 hour-a-day access to counselors and therapists. The staff focuses on each participant's strengths and needs, while respecting individual choice and building a sense of belonging, mastery and independence.
In addition, all teenagers who complete the program receive a $500 stipend.