Minister: ‘Young Adults Being Empowered’
The Independent Living Programme in St George’s — a living center for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years ageing out of the care of Child and Family Services — aims to offer the residents the “best opportunity for success” as “they transition into adulthood,” Minister of Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert said.
Speaking in the House of Assembly today [March 13] the Minister said, “The Independent Living Programme will offer a secure level of comfort and support to our young persons between the ages of 18 and 24 years ageing out of the Care of the Director of Child and Family Services. This Programme will be a lifeline, a safety net, for our young adults.
“In 2021/22, the Ministry received a budget allocation to progress its development. After searching for the best place to establish this programme, a lease for the Garrison View building in St. George’s was secured from the Bermuda Housing Corporation and keys were handed over on October 13th, 2022. To ensure the safety of the building and its residents, security cameras were installed around the exterior of the building and in the common areas. Internet connectivity has also been installed for residents and staff.
“The Independent Living Programme is a 24-hour secure facility which offers dormitory-style living and has the capacity for up to 11 young adults for a maximum of 2 years.
“To be eligible to participate in the program, young persons must have been clients of the Department of Child & Family Services who have aged out of the care of the Director without a reunification plan; and referred by one of the social workers of the Department. During the last fiscal year, there have been a total of 11 referrals: 7 males and 4 females. For this calendar year, to date, there have been four additional referrals.
“March 2nd, 2023 marked a transformational moment in history as Bermuda’s first Independent Living programme was officially opened. Currently, there is one resident who has commenced their transitional journey. We are excited and look forward to more of our young adults being empowered and encouraged to contribute positively to our community.
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise with much hope and reassurance as I provide my Honourable colleagues with an update on the Independent Living Programme, the first of its kind to be established in Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, I say reassurance because the Independent Living Programme will offer a secure level of comfort and support to our young persons between the ages of 18 and 24 years ageing out of the Care of the Director of Child and Family Services. This Programme will be a lifeline, a safety net, for our young adults.
Mr. Speaker, the Children Act 1998 legally allows the Director of Child and Family Services to place into foster care or residential care, children whose parents are unable or unwilling to safely care for them in their own homes. The Act gives the Director parental authority over children in care from birth to 18 years old; at which time they are legally an adult and the Director no longer has the authority to provide care or make decisions on behalf of these young persons.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my Honourable colleagues to cast their minds back and reflect on their loved ones, young persons in their personal families between the ages of 18 and 24 years; and to think about the family support system they have, whether parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or godparents – a village of support indeed. Mr. Speaker, this is what we endeavour to create at the Independent Living Programme; a warm, secure, supportive environment where young adults ageing out of the Government’s care can grow and develop into confident, productive young men and women.
Mr. Speaker, international research provides evidence that of the many thousands of young people who are discharged from government care each year, a sizeable number lack the life skills or resources necessary to succeed independently. Compared to the general population, these young adults face much higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, dependency on public assistance, physical and mental health problems, and involvement with the criminal justice system. Therefore Independent Living Programmes which incorporate independent living skills training, personal development, and educational and vocational support, are a strategy to improve if not mitigate these types of outcomes.
Mr. Speaker, we want to set our young adults on a trajectory that has purpose and meaning for them. The goal of the Independent Living Programme is to afford them the best opportunity for success and its mission is to empower, encourage and edify young adults as they transition into adulthood so they achieve their goals and become independent and self-sufficient.
Mr. Speaker, in 2020, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors committed to developing an independent living programme as a Throne Speech initiative. In 2021/22, the Ministry received a budget allocation to progress its development. After searching for the best place to establish this programme, a lease for the Garrison View building in St. George’s was secured from the Bermuda Housing Corporation and keys were handed over on October 13th, 2022. To ensure the safety of the building and its residents, security cameras were installed around the exterior of the building and in the common areas. Internet connectivity has also been installed for residents and staff. During the next fiscal year the Independent Living Programme anticipates having the final phase of renovations of the physical plant completed and fully staffed whereby client needs are met and they are guided through this transitional journey.
Mr. Speaker, this valuable programme will provide more than housing for these young adults. They will receive guidance, support and the connection to community resources that will solidify a foundation for their transition into independence and adulthood. The Independent Living Programme has been developed in alignment with the Council on Accreditation’s Youth Independent Living Services Standards, and the Coordinator and staff, have obtained Certification as Independent Living Specialists.
Mr. Speaker, the Independent Living Programme is a 24-hour secure facility which offers dormitory-style living and has the capacity for up to 11 young adults for a maximum of 2 years. They will participate in activities such as:
- Life Skills Groups
- Guided Goal Setting
- Advocacy
- Educational Planning
- Community Engagement
- Peer Support and;
- Individual Counseling
The Life Skills Groups includes: money management, food management, personal appearance, health care, job maintenance, knowledge of community resources, emergency and safety skills, volunteering, spirituality and leisure activities.
Mr. Speaker, to be eligible to participate in the program, young persons must have been clients of the Department of Child & Family Services who have aged out of the care of the Director without a reunification plan; and referred by one of the social workers of the Department. During the last fiscal year, there have been a total of 11 referrals: 7 males and 4 females. For this calendar year, to date, there have been four additional referrals.
Mr. Speaker, Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 marked a transformational moment in history as Bermuda’s first Independent Living programme was officially opened. Currently, there is one resident who has commenced their transitional journey. We are excited and look forward to more of our young adults being empowered and encouraged to contribute positively to our community.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me share that the fruition of the Independent Living Programme has been a collaborative effort. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Department of Child and Family Services, The Ministry of Public Works, The Bermuda Housing Corporation, The Department of Financial Assistance and the St. George stakeholders. I also take this opportunity to highlight and thank our Community Resources in the Departments of Financial Assistance and Workforce Development, Bermuda College, HSBC and the Mirrors Programme.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
