Transitional Living Program
The Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides supportive services to youth ages 18-21 who are transitioning out of the foster care system. TLP Youth live in supervised, scattered-site apartments while learning a variety of skills to assist in their transition to adulthood. Each youth will be assigned a life coach to assist them with meeting their daily needs, provide emotional support and guidance, and assist them with developing and strengthening the life skills necessary to become a successful, independent adult.
About TLP
Mission of TLP
To empower youth ages 18-21 with opportunities to enhance their educational, vocational or career interests while strengthening their life skills, and identifying supportive relationships and community resources necessary to be self-sufficient.
Objectives of TLP
Our objective is to guide and assist our youth in the areas of: Education, Employment, Health, Housing, and Supportive Relationships.
Referral Process
Youth can be referred by their DFCS case manager or Independent Living Coordinator (ILC). Once a referral is received and accepted, youth must obtain an Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment with the assistance of their DFCS case manager or ILC. A TLP Specialist will contact eligible youth for an intake interview.
Download an Application
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for Families First's TLP program, youth must be/have:
1. Transitioning foster youth between the ages of 18 - 21 who have agreed to voluntarily remain in care of the Department of Family and Children Services by "signing themselves back into care".
2. High School Diploma or GED
3. Employed full time if not in school, employed part-time if enrolled in school.
4. Completed the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment
5. Demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and stability to successfully maintain a household.
TLP Services offered
The Transitional Living Program seeks to provide services for youth that will help them to successfully transition out of foster care and become successful adults. In order to achieve success, each young person transitioning out of foster care should have access to opportunities to advance their education, secure employment, safe and stable housing, adequate health care, and connections to the community resources. Below is a list of services that the TLP offers to support youth.
Educational Assistance
- Guidance, support, and academic consultation for enrolled students
- Strategic study time and tutoring services if needed
Career Development/Employment
- Development of professional and interviewing skills
- Information on employment opportunities
- Pre-planning and preparing for career path
Health
- Obtaining/maintaining healthcare plan in/out of care
- Drug awareness/prevention
- Pregnancy and STD awareness/prevention
- Nutrition education and cooking lessons
- Daily hygiene/self care education
- Community healthcare resources and services
Housing & Finances
- Initial start-up funds provided to purchase basic household furniture and supplies
- Identifying and maintaining a home
- Budgeting and saving
- Development of cleaning and organizational skills
- Car maintenance (if applicable)
Life Skills & Personal Development
- Education about healthy and unhealthy relationships
- Maintaining personal boundaries
- Self esteem building
- Domestic violence awareness
- Self defense lessons
- Stress and anger management
- Goal-setting
