Independent Living with Supports (ILS)

The ILS program helps youth ages 16 to 21 make the transition from living in care to caring for themselves as responsible and independent adults.

This is a referral program with admission criteria.

Admission Criteria:

• Youth 17 years of age (or older) associated with a Child Welfare Agency who want to live in Winnipeg
• Demonstrated ability to engage in programming/with caregivers
• Demonstrated ability to utilize coping skills and participation in safety and wellness planning
• Commitment from agency for a minimum of 1 year

Referral Process:

All referrals are made directly from Child and Family Services Agencies/Workers.

Referrals are submitted to Centralized Intake intake@thelinkmb.ca by a Social Worker.

Referrals should include updated social history, assessments, and application (attached).

Please Indicate in the referral that the youth is looking for independent living.

A program Occupational Therapist reviews the referral and then schedules a life skills assessment as well as life skills groups. Participation in both is a pre-requisite to admission. This will help to identify if the ILS program is the best resource for the individual youth, their strengths and specific learning goals.

An Intake meeting occurs and the youth will be supported by a Case Manager/Tenancy Support Mentor to begin the process of setting up their new home.

For more information about the ILS program contact:

Lisa Salter B.Sc., MOT, OT Reg(MB)
Occupational Therapist
Telephone: (204) 223-3263
Email: lisa.salter@thelinkmb.ca