Specialized Independent Living Services

Typically those receiving Specialized Independent Living Services (SIL) are teenagers who for various reasons are not able, or do not desire to reunite with their birth parents or legal guardian, and they are in desperate need of support. They require immediate assistance to learn how to cope with the stressors involving self-sufficiency and Independent living. The young person involved in SIL services must be at least 16 years old and referred for services by the Michigan Department of Human Services and/or appropriate court or county authorizing agent.

Upon entry into the SIL program the young person will be assigned to a treatment team that is dedicated to assisting the young person master the skills on independent living. Services will include a combination of assessment, counseling, case management services and discharge planning.

Relationship building

Although children in the program initially feel frustrated regarding familial connections, an intense effort is made to assist the individual to rebuild and form strong and lasting family relationships. The SIL treatment team will assist the young person to explore potential reunification, adoption, guardianship and kinship opportunities.

Living Arrangements

SIL offers two separate and distinct components: Consumer Managed Housing and Home Providers.

Consumer Managed Housing: This opportunity is available to youth who have consistently shown the ability to live independently. In order to enter this type of living arrangement the youth must demonstrate progress with fiscal management, self care, social interactions, educational goals and employment. Examples of Consumer Managed Housing may include: apartments, college dorms or a house.

Home Providers: This opportunity is available to youth who prefer to live in a host home with an adult and or have not yet shown the abilty to manage the skills necessary for Consumer Managed Housing. Home Providers are couples or single adults in the community who have decided to welcome a teenager into their home. The Home Provider is seen as part of the treatment team and will work hand in hand with the young person and the SIL treatment staff.

Becoming a Home Provider

Providing a living environment for abused and neglected teenagers is hard work and challenging. Wolverine Human Services top priority is to help you prepare for this important job. You might wonder why so much is asked of you during this process. It's because Wolverine Human Services wants to ensure that the teenagers will be safe and well cared for in their new host home.

If you are interested in becoming a Home Provider please call:

1 (888) 625-8669 or e-mail Tom Krolicki.