Preparation for Adult Living (PAL)

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Purpose... programs of this type were conceived out of a need in the childcare profession to better prepare young people for the eventuality of life outside of the child care welfare system.   P.A.L. is a unique concept in answering this need.  The program is the result of a study of several types of independent living programs from various child care institutes.  Our program is designed to offer low structure in a residential setting to children who can benefit from being more self reliant while raising the structure for those who are not ready for that kind of responsibility.

The purpose of the program is to prepare the teenager for the reality of being independent and self-sufficient regardless of future vocational and academic choices.  Teaching the living skills, community awareness and encouraging individual self-esteem is the basic responsibility of the program.

          It is the program's intent, not only to provide these services to teens of an       unapparent means of support upon the age of maturity, but also to those           who  desire  to take these skills and return to their family in order to improve the existing home situation.

Target population... this program is to serve male and females who are 16 to 21 years of age.  An applicant should possess the ability to demonstrate self-control and have a general idea of future vocational and academic goals.  There should be an "independent" desire for the services provided by the program.

Admissions... applicants should apply by completing the State application and mailing records to the Preparation for Adult Living Social Worker.  This will begin the application process.  The Social Worker from the American Children's Home will contact the referral source for further action.