SUPERVISED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

 The Supervised Independent Living Program provides supervised living to male and female youth ages 16 to 20. 

  
CHARACTERISTICS 

 Eligibility criteria include youth having an IQ of 70 or above; whose emotional disturbance or acting-out behavior does not preclude living in a community-based facility; having only moderate difficulties in maintaining relationships in the spheres of school, work, and family; and have the desire and motivation to live independently. There are two phases to our Supervised Independent Living Program: The Transitional Phase and the Independent Living Phase.

SERVICES OFFERED 

Program services include: preparation for adult living; individual and group counseling; life skills training; casework; health care; crisis intervention; employment counseling; academic counseling; and community networking. 

 
Transitional Phase (TLP)
Daily workshops teach the initial and more intense independent living and pro-social skills. Residents are provided with individual and group clinical sessions. In this phase residents share a house with other residents. Each resident pays rent and is preparing to advance to the next phase. Twenty-four hour supervision is provided. Through daily workshops, residents are provided with the vocational skills necessary for seeking and maintaining employment, budgeting, meal planning, accessing public transportation and increasing knowledge of community resources. In addition, tours of agencies, guest speakers and in-services are also used to teach skills and learn how to access community resources.

Independent Living Phase (ILP)
Residents are expected to practice skills learned in the houses. Clients continue to attend daily workshops and maintain employment. They sign an apartment lease and begin actual bill payments. Clients continue to receive weekly individual and group counseling to process clinical issues and the transition to apartment living. Networking with community resources continues connecting the resident to needed services. The resident is expected to function in a self-reliant fashion mirroring the goal of self-sufficiency. Daily checks, in the apartment, are done throughout the day. Clients receive feedback on their hygiene, apartment upkeep, meal planning, and recreational planning.

REFERRALS 

 Referrals are accepted from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and the Department of Corrections. 
 Submitted referrals will be reviewed by the Referral Review Committee. Written notification of any decision and any additional information needed will be sent to the referring party. Referrals are reviewed and preference is given to internal clients, Peoria and Central regions and then other regions. 

 Referrals are accepted on an emergency basis. If it is necessary to place the youth on a waiting list, regular written or phone contact will be maintained with the referral source regarding openings.

 
For more information on the Supervised Independent Living Program, please contact Debbie Siira, Director
Phone (309) 687-7629
dsiira@chail.org

Fax: (309) 687-7599