Homelessness among the youth population has dramatically increased during the past years. Two groups are predominately represented; runaway youth who come from fragmented families, and homeless minors entering the metropolitan area without necessary resources to overcome an array of socio-cultural barriers.

These young people are at high risk of poor health, living in poverty, and becoming susceptible to street violence and drug activities. To address the needs of these youth, the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) has received federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services to develop the Transitional Living Program (TLP). The goal of TLP as defined in section 321(b) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act (JJDPA) is to promote transition to self sufficient-living and to prevent long-term dependency on social services.

Services Offered
TLP provides comprehensive services to its participants including:

• A supervised group living program lasting up to 18 months;
• Case planning and monitoring;
• Employment, educational/vocational, health, and psycho-social assessments;
• Nutritional counseling and food preparation;
• Life Skills and employment training;
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention;
• Assistance in locating permanent housing, and
• Access to other LAYC programs.

Requirements:

• Youth must be male between 16 and 21 years old;
• Youth must be homeless or runaway;
• Youth must not be currently living under the supervision of parents or guardians, and must be at imminent risk of becoming homeless due to an unstable living situation or living in an unsupervised situation;
• Youth cannot be actively using drugs or alcohol. If youth ha a drug or alcohol problem, he must:
  • already be participating in a treatment program; or
  • be willing to start and participate in a treatment program agreed to by TLP staff;
• Youth must not be considered a danger to self or others;
• Youth must take a written application to TLP;
• Youth must be willing to observe TLP rules ;
• Youth must be willing to comply with the objectives agreed upon in his case plan;
• Youth must be willing to work part-time and attend school or any other educational/vocational program.

Program Phases
TLP is based on the establishment of a structured living environment. A system has been developed to assist the participants in setting goals for themselves while learning independent living skills.

The program consists of three progressive phases. A participant can move ahead, gradually advancing from one phase to the next by accomplishing the goals he has set for each phase. Time spent on each phase depends on the youth’s effort. Youth receive more responsibilities and earn privileges as they progress through the stages. The times listed are the estimated periods a youth spends in each phase.

Orientation / 1 to 2 months
Phase 1 / 4 to 6 months
Phase 2 / 5 months
Phase 3 / 4 months

Admission Procedure

• All referrals are directed to TLP. However, direct contact with the candidate is required in order to continue with the admission process;
• TLP staff will meet the candidate to discuss his current living situation, as well as future plans. The candidate must meet TLP staff at least two times. The candidate must express a willingness to work within a structured program and be committed to pursue independence;
• The TLP Admission Committee will meet the candidate before a decision is made to admit him to the Orientation Phase; and
• Recommendation for full admission into the TLP will be made once all relevant assessments have been completed.

Contact Information

Laura Bowman Pimentel
Program Coordinator
3031 15th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Tel. 202.319.2624
Fax 202.319.2650
bowman@layc-dc.org