parent education program

Our most exciting expansion involves our venture into fee for service with the credentialing of our newest program providing parents who are separating or divorcing with a Parent Education Program. Thistwo-session program will assist the parents to help their children through the difficulties the children face as the parents separate or divorce. We are calling this program: F amilies In Transition. Our program has been credentialed by the New York State Unified Court Administration.

Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP)

The Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) is a unique residential youth service program that affords eligible foster care adolescents between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age the opportunity of functioning semi-independently in an apartment that can accommodate two youth of the same sex or teen parents with one child, with minimum supervision, as they move towards the permanency goals of independence and self-sufficiency. Most SILP apartments are conveniently located throughout North Brooklyn, and are either within walking distance of, or accessible by public transportation to, libraries, churches, mosques, colleges, childcare and cultural centers.

Under the guidance of nurturing and dedicated SILP staff, youth engage in homestead management and upkeep, develop money management skills by maintaining savings accounts and learn how to budget their bi-weekly stipend. These financial tasks and responsibilities enhance their progress towards self-sufficiency and adulthood. To participate in the program, SILP youth are required to either continue their education by enrolling in an academic/vocational institution or maintain employment, and actively participate in the Adolescent Services Life Skills Training Program.

Overall, the SILP Program is designed to support youth in acquiring the skills, tools and knowledge that they will need to successfully establish good personal lives, as they transition from care to living independently. Prior to releasing a youth from the SILP Program a discharge planning conference is held. At this meeting, SILP caseworkers and the youth determine what support resources the youth is presently connected to in the community and, discuss what program goals have been met. If there are any existing gaps in the service plan, the youth is introduced to the EGSCF Aftercare Services Unit for a post-discharge transitional period not exceeding three months.