Independent Living Skills

Bryan Snyder - Program Coordinator

The Cattaraugus County Community-Based Independent Living Skills (ILS) Program was implemented in September of 1996 through a compact with the New York State Division for Youth. In cooperation with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Youth Bureau conducts weekly independent living skills classes for youth 14 - 21 years of age. Classes meet weekly for a two and a half hour session. Topics include employment skills, money and home management, health and relationship issues, etc. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) provides classroom equipment and curriculum supplies. If you would like information regarding registration for the Independent Living Skills classes, please contact JoAnne Snyder. Please read on and discover the ILS program!

Independent Living Skills Information page

OBJECTIVE

To provide a program for the NYS OCFS and After Care Youth, as well as community youth, in the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to make the transition to independent living. Instruction will be based on the ILS curriculum as provided by the NYS OCFS. The curriculum consists of four modules of study to be complemented over a period of 17 weeks. Admission to the program is rolling; therefore, individuals may start the program at anytime.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Classes meet weekly for a two-hour session.

The program is presented at two locations:

CURRICULUM

Material for instruction may be taken from the curriculum provided or may be gathered from other sources such as videos, news articles, local agencies, and guest speakers. NYS OCFS does mandate a pre/post survey for all program participants. Thus, the core curriculum is never omitted, simply complemented by current information. (The pre survey serves as an excellent indicator of the clients needs and provides valuable teaching information.)

ATTENDANCE

Participation in the ILS is open to all youth, approximately 14-21 years of age. Youth referred from the NYS OCFS will be given priority at times when the enrollment is at capacity; however, every effort will be made to accommodate community-based youth interested in joining the program.

Attendance for community youth participates is voluntary. However, the ILS Program Coordinator strongly suggests that the youth attend weekly.

SUPERVISION

The Program Coordinator is responsible for supervision of the youth during the ILS program hours and is not responsible for transportation to or from classes. All youth are required to sign their names in an attendance book each week. While it is not essential to report a community youth absent, discretion will be used if there is any reason to suspect that the youth is supposed to be present and is not.

EQUIPMENT

Computers, software and multimedia, TV/VCR, chalkboard, microwave, desks and chairs are supplied by the NYS OCFS.

MODULES