Supervised Independent Living
Independence. That is the goal of every teen at Ward Home. But if you have been part of "the system" since childhood, it may seem an impossible dream-unless you have the skills, knowledge and values required to make it in the "real world."
For those teens that do not require the structure of a group home, Ward Home has pioneered a premier independent living program consisting of Supervised Independent Living facilities. These centers are more than just temporary housing for at-risk teens. They are operated as "life skill" schools. The residents, in fact, are treated as students. After learning new skills and demonstrating responsibility and maturity, they earn points, additional privileges and even better accommodations-with the ultimate goal of graduating from our program as responsible members of society. Virtually all S.I.L. graduates enter a college or trade school, or obtain a job as a result of the education they receive through the
Ward Home program.
Ward Home currently operates Independent Living Homes for teen boys, teen
girls and teen mothers, between the ages of 16 and 21. These facilities are
located in the areas of Friendship, Wilkinsburg and East McKeesport. Each home
has individual apartments, and all are equipped with a kitchen, common living area,
laundry and one or more bedrooms.
They are staffed 24 hours per day by Life Skills Teachers (LSTs), who assist the
students with the everyday skills of living, from cooking and shopping to balancing a
checkbook and saving money. In addition, they serve as "life mentors" and career
advisors. They maintain contact with the student's teachers and high school guidance
counselor, and help students apply for college or a vocational school.
During the first month, an individualized service plan is created for the student
resident. This plan identifies specific skills and goals to be obtained within the next six
months. An activity schedule, consisting of both leisure time and part-time job
responsibilities (which all students are encouraged to seek), is also created. Life Skills
Teachers help the students make the psychological adjustment to the program, and
deal with any additional issues they may be facing.
Following the initial month, students graduate to a weekly point system, then eventually
to a unique negotiation system which allows them to earn additional privileges after they
have demonstrated they can hold a job and save money.
The students also learn how to interact with each other and function as a group through
self-government meetings, during which they plan activities and discuss house issues.
The overall program is designed to teach the students the responsibility of
independence through the philosophy of self-discipline, rather than a severely mandated
structure. Privileges, such as later curfew times, telephone and television time, having
visitors, going out without a supervisor, etc., are all earned by mastering skills and
demonstrating responsibility.
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