| The Semi-Independent Living Program - for individuals with Mental Retardation |
| What is the Semi-Independent Living (SIL) Program |
The Semi-Independent Living (SIL) program is a branch of the Family-based Treatment Program (FBTP) provided through the Devereux Kanner Center. Like the FBTP, SIL serves individuals with mental retardation and borderline intellectual functioning between the ages of 17-21 years. Individuals in this program are supported in their efforts towards independence. Professionally trained Mentors provide training, education, and support to individuals on a daily basis. Individuals receiving these services are residents in the home of the Mentor or in an apartment with the Mentor visiting regularly. A Program Consultant oversees each individual's efforts towards independence and serves a very valuable role of connecting the individual to services in the community.
The Mentor works with the individual on acquiring the necessary skills to gain self-sufficiency. These skills may include, but not limited to, laundry, hygiene, transportation, vocational training and employment, home and community safety, socialization, banking and budgeting, to name a few. Mentors are advocates to the individual and always strive to empower each person to make decisions for him/herself.
When individuals reside in the Mentor's home, the ratio is no more than 2 to 1, meaning that each Mentor assists no more than two individuals at the same time in the home. The individual is supported and taught to pay his/her own rent through pay checks and/or stipends provided by the program. Each individual is aided in developing a budget based on his/her individual needs and wants. Individual goals are solicited and realized in a supportive and nurturing environment. Individuals in SIL continue their education until graduation at Devereux Kanner's approved private school, local public schools, or vocational settings.
In addition to the many community and family outings, individuals in SIL are encouraged to seek out interests within the community, join clubs, volunteer, and becomes active members of their communities. Individuals are expected to gain and sustain employment throughout their programming and are also connected to valuable resources and services to further enhance their success of living independently. |
| Support Services |
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Mentors are extensively screened and trained to provide exceptional skills in the areas of supervision, education, and advocacy.
Support services available to the Mentor and the individual include:
- Program Consultant to assist with obtaining individual's goals, case-management, and crisis intervention.
- 24 hour on call support services for emergencies
- Extensive preservice and ongoing inservice training
- Daily telephone contact
- Monthly home visits
- Monthly parent/Mentor support meetings
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| Treatment Strategies |
- Use of specific teaching routines, such as the teaching interaction and systematic instruction.
- Use of positive reinforcement procedures.
- Modeling of desired behaviors.
- Prosocial focus to maladaptive behaviors with specific therapeutic interventions.
- Individualized programs for daily living skills.
- Individualized goals with emphasis on social, daily living and communication skills.
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| Community Integration |
- Targeted opportunities for positive social experiences in the community.
- Promote generalization of skills in the natural environment.
- Participate in planning effective educational programs.
- Vocational training and employment.
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| FBTP Links |
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| Downloads |
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| SIL Information |
Persons interested in learning about the Family-based Treatment Program's Semi-Independent Living Program, or in becoming a Mentor should contact:
Elizabeth A. Wilson, M.A.
Director, Family Based Treatment Program
Devereux Kanner Center
390 E. Boot Road
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 696-7415
(610) 696-7459 - Fax
ewilson@devereux.org |
| SIL Referrals |
| Referrals to the FBTP-SIL for individuals between the ages of 17-21 can be made to Kanner Admissions at (610) 431-8191. |
| Become a Mentor |
Rewards For You:
- You make a difference in the life of an individual with a developmental disorder.
- You receive state of the art training in parenting skills and behavior modification.
- You are supported through regular telephone conversations, monthly visitations, monthly parent group gatherings, and 24 hour emergency services.
- You are provided with excellent monetary compensation (nicely supplements existing employment).
- You work from home, so the schedule is flexible!
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