Independent Living Services in Detroit & Redford MI from Methodist Children’s Home Society | Independent Living Services, Community Independent Living and Young Adult Voluntary Programs to help foster children transition to adulthood. Serving all of Michigan. Call us today!

Child Foster Care Services

Independent Living Services

Independent Living Services

Each year, more than 800 children age out of Michigan’s foster care system. For many of these adolescents, being on their own after spending their lives in foster care can be frightening. Through our transitional living programs at MCHS, we are able to help young men, ages of 16 through 20, prepare for a successful and fulfilling life as an adult. Our programs are designed to give them the confidence and resources needed to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

Our programs are designed to give them the confidence and resources needed to succeed academically, professionally and personally.

MCHS is proud to offer three unique transitional living programs:

Independent Living Plus Youth in our Independent Living Plus program are 16-19 years old and are required to attend school or work part-time. Program participants are also required to attend life-skills training courses to help prepare them for life after the program.
Community Independent Living Participants in our Community Independent Living program are 16-20 years old and have the opportunity to reside outside of our Redford campus. Participants typically live with a relative or on their own and are required to attend school or work part-time. Boys in our CIL program are required to attend life skills classes to enrich their lives and prepare them for adulthood.
Young Adult Voluntary Program Transitioning after foster care as a young adult can be difficult. After the courts have dismissed a case, boys ages 16-20, can volunteer to enter our Young Adult Voluntary Program to receive extra support. Program participants are required to attend school or work part-time and have the opportunity to live in their community.

Young men in our transitional living programs are required to work or attend school (or both) in addition to taking part in life skills courses provided by our staff as well as partnering individuals and organizations with expertise that may be of interest. Topics include:

Financial literacy
Community engagement
Personal hygiene
Home management
Post-secondary education preparation
Skilled trades exploration
Communication skills

To learn more about our transitional living programs, contact Director of Child Welfare Stephanie Sears at 313-531-9160 or ssear@mchsmi.org.

Graduation Day

Michael entered our residential program in 2014. Initially, he struggled with regulating his emotions but eventually learned how to manage his anger. Michael began building relationships with the other youth in our program and staff on campus, allowing him to connect with others and accept help. Michael continued healing from past traumas and after three years transitioned into our Independent Living Plus (ILP) Program. Michael was able to acquire independent living skills such as budgeting, cooking, employment readiness and college preparation. He also shared his story of overcoming his obstacles at the MCHS 2019 Hearts & Heroes Gala.

While in the ILP program Michael obtained a job, earned his driver’s license, went to prom and saved enough money to move into his own townhouse through our community-based Independent Living Program in November 2019. This experience was not without its challenges, but not having the traditional familial support system creates an extra barrier. Throughout these challenges, MCHS supported Michael as any family would.

On June 13, Michael met another major milestone and obtained his high school diploma. It was by his request that his most trusted MCHS staff were there to cheer him on and celebrate this momentous occasion with him. We are honored to be a part of his journey and continue to help him thrive and overcome obstacles as a young adult.

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