The new program is intended for youth with no other realistic options for permanent placement. The Transition to Independence Program will provide a unique continuum of care to enable older foster care youth to achieve successful transitions to adulthood.

“As young people in Florida’s foster care system prepare for adulthood, they deserve the stability, care and access to opportunity that programs like Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ Transition to Independence Program will provide,” said Rep. Young. “I am pleased to support this effort to help some of Florida’s most vulnerable youth gain the skills they will need to become successful and self-sufficient members of our communities.”

With the funding, Eckerd Youth Alternatives is developing a three-phase program to provide foster children and young adults ages 16-23 a home with services – education, vocation and independent living skills – to help them succeed as self-reliant and productive adults in Pinellas County and its surrounding communities. 

“Permanent community-based foster care placements for teens are a critical need in Florida,” said Karen V. Waddell, EYA President & CEO.

According to statistical data, the typical foster care youth has experienced 20 prior foster care placements, has been the victim of physical and/or emotional abuse, has fallen behind educationally, and exhibits behavioral and emotional problems.

“Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ Transition to Independence Program will allow foster youth to move seamlessly from an EYA residential treatment program to an adjacent, family-like group home, then to community-based apartment living as they develop skills and readiness for independent living. The youth will be given a range of services and support at each phase, along with increasing responsibility,” Waddell added.

Residential group homes will be located at two existing EYA Outdoor Therapeutic Treatment Programs. Boys will reside at Camp E-How-Kee in Brooksville, Fla. and girls at Camp E-Nini-Hassee in Floral City, Fla. As youth transition through the program’s three phases, they will attend school and possibly work off-site and be given increasing degrees of independence and responsibility. At an appropriate age, and when criteria for success in all identified living skills have been demonstrated, youth will transition to independent living in a community-based apartment setting.

“The Transition to Independence Program represents a commitment to provide foster youth with an opportunity to truly succeed as they enter adulthood,” said John Oliver, EYA area director.