Transitional and Support Services
Preparing Youth for Successful Transitions and Independence
Transitional and Support Services are intended to help youth transition to less restrictive environments while fostering the development of skills related to achieving greater independence. Special interest is placed on helping enrolled adolescents become well-prepared to meet the challenges of independent living and be actively engaged in their community. Transitional and Supports Services include a Habilitation Support Program, an Independent Living Skills Program, a Respite Program, and a Therapeutic Day Program.
Habilitation Support Program
The Habilitation Support Program is designed to work one on one with youth in their own home environment. Habilitation workers assist families and other professionals with the implementation of treatment plans, home routines and appropriate responses to crisis events. The primary goal of the program is to provide the supports that are needed to prevent disruptions in the child’s home environment.
- Eligibility: The Habilitation Support Program is available to youth between the ages of 5 and 17 that are enrolled in behavioral health services.
- Program Hours: The hours of service are dependent
upon the child’s and caregivers’ needs and occur on an
individualized schedule. - Program Site: Services are delivered in the community and clients’ homes.
Independent Living Program (ILP)
Each youth and young adult involved in the Independent Living Program completes a comprehensive Life Skills Assessment at entry and exit from the program as a tool for planning, as well as to monitor progress. After an Independent Living Plan is devised for the client, he or she is introduced to situations and concepts that will be encountered as independent adults. Life Skills classes are made available; each youth receives Hands-On application and experiential learning opportunities. Services are tailored to each enrollee based on the assessment of strengths and needs through individual and group-oriented learning experiences. Assistance in accessing Federal Chafee Funds and Arizona Matching Funds is given to youth 18 to 21 years of age.
- Eligibility: The Independent Living Program is available to youth between the ages of 16 and 21 that are either current or former foster youth.
- Program Hours: Life Skill Classes are held every other
Saturday between 10:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. Individual
sessions are scheduled with clients based on the youth’s availability. - Program Site: 7820 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 100.
Respite Program
The Respite Program is designed to give the primary caregivers of at-risk youth an interval of rest and/or relief, while also allowing for clients to engage in learning opportunities and social skill development through participation in recreational activities in the community. Youth participating in the Respite Program take part in arts and crafts activities, go on outings to parks and playgrounds, and visit community resources such as the Tucson Children’s Museum, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, and Reid Park Zoo. Through involvement in community-based activities, the development of social skills and positive life skills is fostered.
- Eligibility: The Respite Program services are available to youth between the ages of 5 and 17 that are enrolled in behavioral health services.
- Program Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Special holiday and summer hours are
also offered.) - Program Site: 7820 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 100.
Therapeutic Day Program
The Therapeutic Day Program employs person-centered planning with key stakeholders and program staff to craft an Individual Support Plan for each youth. The program engages every client in structured activities that provide opportunities to learn new skills, develop greater insight and make new connections within the community. Community-based activities and projects address each youth’s preferences and interests. A wealth of information about each individual’s needs, strengths, and visions for the future is provided through the Day Program. Program staff build important relationships with individual youth and service agencies to improve every adolescent’s transitional success. Staff advocate for each student’s best interests.
- Eligibility: The Therapeutic Day Program is available to youth between the ages of 12 and 17 that are enrolled in behavioral health services.
- Program Hours: During the school year: Monday through Friday, 1:00 P. M. to 6:00 P.M.; Saturdays, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. During the summer: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Modifications of this schedule may be made, depending on the needs of the client.
- Program Site: 7820 E. Broadway Boulevard, Suite 100.
How to Become Enrolled in One of the TSS Programs
The Independent Living Program
- If currently in Child Welfare Services custody, a youth’s
caseworker must complete a referral packet and submit
it to the Program Director. - If currently living on his/her own, a youth or the previous caseworker may complete the referral packet and submit it to the Program Director.
The Habilitation, Respite and
Therapeutic Day Programs
- A youth’s Behavioral Health Case Manager must complete
a referral packet and submit it to the Program Director.
For information, email tssinfo@ichd.net or call
(520) 721-1887, Ext. 7359.