Older youth in the foster care system have more trouble finding a family willing to take them in as either a foster or adoptive child. These teens often remain in one of CHS longer-term residential homes until they become young adults. With no family support system, these young people are at significant risk of repeating the cycle that their parents or grandparents began.
To give these youth the best possible chance to succeed in life, CHS provides training programs to develop independent living skills necessary for these boys and girls to live on their own. The goal is to teach self-sufficiency through employment, education and good decision-making. Staff help the teens define and reach school, career or vocational goals; develop interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities; and, in the cases of teens who are expecting or parenting young children, training also includes positive parenting skills, nutrition and child development.
In addition to these independent living skills, CHS offers transitional living opportunities for youth. Teens live in monitored transitional apartment settings, where they apply the skills they have learned and have the opportunity to practice budgeting, job skills, daily living skills, menu planning and self-support.
Independent Living and Transitional Housing Programs
Hacienda Girl's Ranch, Melbourne
Hacienda's newest addition, Smith House, provides a transitional living opportunity to eight teenage girls. While living in apartment-like housing, the girls receive counseling and training while continuing in school and working. For contact information, click here.
Teen Center/Buckner Manor, Jacksonville
Two group residences are home to 23 girls, ages 12 to 17 years. They're offered career training and development skills through a project with Prudential Insurance Company and Hope for Kids, a non-profit volunteer organization. For contact information, click here.
Girl's Zone, Deland
Eight teenage girls receive guidance and training from house parents as they learn skills needed to enjoy a healthy, independent life. Professional counseling, educational and recreational activities help each girl develop a sense of self-reliance and responsibility. For contact information, click here.
Brian's House, Deland
Eight boys, ages 13 to 17 years, are coached and counseled by house parents as they develop life skills needed to become self-sufficient and make plans for their education or vocation. For contact information, click here.
Group Home for Girls, Vero Beach
Twelve girls, ages 12 to 18 years, learn basic daily living skills, such as cooking and money management, as well as receiving counseling and support to plan for a healthy, independent adult life. For contact information, click here.
Transitions Group Home, West Palm Beach
This residential program provides a safe, nurturing environment to teenage mothers, ages 13 to 19 years, who are raising young children. With guidance from staff, they learn to become a self-sufficient, healthy family. For contact information, click here.
Teen Group Homes, Miami
Five group homes serve 18 teenage girls and six infants in residential neighborhoods. Two of these homes give teenage mothers a chance to gain education and skills needed to manage a home and support themselves and their children. Other homes help teens reach school, career or vocational goals, build interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities needed to live independently. For contact information, click here.
