While movies and fairy tales often depict the idea of family as a loving, nurturing space that shelters children from the harsh nature of the outside world, reality paints a different picture. Family isn’t easy. Sometimes, in fact, it can prove to be incredibly difficult, dysfunctional, and stress-producing. A slew of factors can contribute to hostility in the household, and the outcome of these influencing factors can leave people feeling unheard, unwanted, and unloved. A worst-case scenario can result in a child either running away or being kicked out of the house. Homelessness affects hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and is subject to unimaginable pain and hardship.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act was passed in 1974 as Title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act to address the homeless youth crisis affecting the country. This act defined homeless youth as a person for whom it is impossible to live in a safe environment with a relative and who has no other safe living alternative. This act lives on today through transitional living programs designed to provide shelter for homeless youth, but what is a transitional living program? What services does it offer, and who is eligible? For those researching transitional living in Argyle, TX, reach out to the Santé Center for Healing team at 866.238.3154.
What Is a Transitional Living Program?
So, what is a transitional living program? The main objective of a transitional living program is to provide long-term supportive assistance for homeless youth and young adults. Regardless of if someone ran away or was kicked out of the house, these programs may be sought out by anyone under the age of 21.
Transitional living programs work with homeless youth on various subjects, each providing the skills and coping mechanisms needed to live a healthy, independent life. They provide and teach basic skills such as nutrition, financial management, preventative health, conflict resolution, communication skills, and job attainment skills. These programs also work with youths to develop long- and short-term goal-setting skills that can be applied to their current situation and future endeavors. During this time, members of a transitional living program will often take an independent living assessment of intake exams which measures and identifies the areas of improvement an individual should make before transitioning into independent living.
What to Expect from a Transitional Living Program
Many of the services offered in transitional living are aimed at helping young adults develop the skills needed to live happy, independent lives. This is done through weekly programs and classes, where students will build on their progress from previous lessons until they graduate from the program and can find a stable living situation. One of the most important services offered is therapy. This allows young adults to explore their emotions in a safe, judgment-free environment where they can identify and work through past traumas. Other services offered in a transitional living program are:
- Mental health and physical care
- Transitional planning toward independent living
- Money management budgeting
- Counseling services
- Interpersonal-skill building
- Educational opportunities, such as GED prep, post-secondary training, and vocational training
- Job attainment skills
- Emergency preparedness and crisis management planning
- Home economics
Many benefits come with choosing a transitional living program. There are the obvious ones (food, shelter, and clothing) whose importance cannot go overlooked. But then there are the benefits that have the potential to last a lifetime as young adults are taught not only how to survive in an independent living situation but also how to thrive in it.
Learn More About Santé Center for Healing’s Transitional Living Program
Getting kicked out of the house or running away from home creates a scary situation for a young adult. In this situation, youths are pushed to do whatever it takes to survive, leaving behind all the things that a young person should be focused on, such as school, friends, and family.
At the Santé Center for Healing, we have worked with countless homeless young adults from various living situations. We know all too well the devastation that homelessness can wreak. We hold the recovery of all our patients in the highest regard and will work tirelessly to ensure their personal goals are met before the end of their stay. We treat a range of mental health issues and substance use disorders with a team of dedicated and passionate professionals. For more information on transitional living programs or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 866.238.3154. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.
