CFSS Emerald

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CFSS Emerald, Supported Living

Young adults have a combination of unique needs and strengths as they transition into adulthood. This is particularly true when these needs include the areas of mental health, substance abuse, child welfare system involvement and housing. The transition stage is even more difficult for youth that are coming from institutional settings where they have not had significant experiences with autonomy or independent living opportunities prior to becoming an adult. We believe our communities in Arizona have the resources and supports to help these young adults be successful, but they need assistance from their informal support system as well as from caring professionals that can help them complete this transition to adulthood successfully. This is the purpose of the Emerald Program located in Prescott Valley.

The Emerald Program for 18-24 Year Olds has been developed based on the philosophy that the best way for individuals to gain independent living skills is to help them become active in the community and participate, hands-on, in meaningful and purposeful activities driven by an individualized support plan. This individualized support plan is supported by CFSS community based direct supports that support each young adult developing daily meaningful and purposeful activities at their home, work/school and in the community, These plans create the basis for the experience and activities of each young adult as they have the opportunities to practice “success” and make “mistakes” on the road to independence supported by committed adults:

  • Leases are signed in the name of each young adult and they are given their own key to their apartment.
  • They may make modifications such as painting, landscaping changes, etc. with permission from the leasing management company.
  • This is an independent living experience with outpatient services available for support 24 hours per day. This is not a group home, however, outpatient services are provided as needed for each individual throughout the day.
  • Each young adult individual wants to live in a supported living apartment. We have had a number of young adults struggling with substance abuse, self-harming behavior, and a variety of other circumstances involving serious mental illness live and recover successfully in the project with the right amount of support.
  • Part of the rent is subsidized for the participant. The young adult will also be required to contribute a set amount toward rent and utilities each month.
  • Food, supplies, etc. are the responsibility of the young adult, although basic furnishings are provided (beds, dressers, linens, community room furnishings, etc.)
  • Costs of any repairs caused from damage caused by a young adult will be their own responsibility.
  • Laundry facilities are available within the apartment.
  • No weapons, alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted.
  • Keeping the home clean, including the bedroom area, is an important responsibility of each young adult. CFSS direct support workers will be of assistance for individuals requiring help, instruction, or prompting in this area.
  • Project activities are individualized to each young adult and will be planned by the young adult on their own or in collaboration with CFSS direct supports.
  • Young adults typically develop a shared set of apartment rules together that address things like curfews, respecting privacy, visitors, horseplay, food, computer and phone use, community chores, etc.
  • Each young adult is responsible for his or her own expenses associated with most activities in the community. The project is centered around experiencing independent life in the community, and managing finances is a part of that experience.
  • The expected length of stay is approximately one year. CFSS will work with the young adult and their Team to discuss discharge planning and developing a plan for the future.
  • Young Adults are expected to follow their individualized plan and project requirements or the team may determine that there are better options for the young adult. The young adult is an active participant in the planning process and all team activities.

Upon referral, CFSS will attend the Child and Family Team or Adult Team Meeting to meet the young adult and their Team and describe the Emerald program. Teams should discuss the needs of the individual and the fit with this program as well as any adjunctive services that may be required. If the young adult, their Team and CFSS determine the program is a good match, CFSS will work with the Team on arrangements for move-in and will conduct an assessment of living skill and support needs with the individual.