Supported Independent Living (SILS)
What is the SILS program about?
Our Supported Independent Living Services (SILS) program is designed to empower Aboriginal young people with the skills, confidence, and cultural grounding they need to transition successfully from care into independent adulthood.
SILS begins its engagement early, often with young people aged 14 to 15 to build trust and establish strong, supportive relationships before the formal transition process begins. Through our engagement with residential care, young people are introduced gradually to the SILS team, ensuring familiar faces and consistent support as they prepare to transition into independent living.
“Skillin It” – Practical Life Skills for Independence
A key feature of SILS is the “SKILLIN IT!” program, which offers hands-on, practical life skills training essential for independent living.
Our “Skillin It!” program focuses on key areas to empower our young people with:
- Managing a household
- Grocery shopping and meal preparation
- Navigating essential services (e.g. banking, Centrelink, Medicare, health appointments)
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Building employability and job readiness
- Supporting connection to culture and cultural identity
- Expanding support networks and strengthening post-care supports
- Fostering strong family and community connections to expand safety networks
- Strengthening safe boundaries
- Guidance on building healthy relationships
A Step-Down Approach to Growth and Autonomy
The program is built around each young person’s unique strengths, interests, and goals. By using a step-down approach, SILS allows for gradual increases in autonomy while maintaining consistent guidance and mentorship. This method helps young people grow in confidence while knowing support is always close by.
Strengthening Cultural Connection & Identity
Beyond practical life skills, SILS places a strong focus on cultural connection, safety, and identity. Our support is culturally responsive and grounded in the belief that Aboriginal young people thrive when they are connected to community, country, and culture. SILS fosters lifelong connections to cultural mentors, community networks, and support systems, ensuring young people carry their identity and heritage with pride as they move into adulthood.
Preparing Young People to Thrive
SILS doesn’t just support young people to transition into adulthood beyond care – it prepares them to thrive. By strengthening cultural identity, promoting emotional healing, and opening pathways to education, employment, and community connection, SILS creates real, lasting change in the lives of Aboriginal young people.
What our young people say..
If you would like to find out more about our SILS program contact:
SILSReferrals@afss.com.au
254 Kings Road Paralowie SA 5108
(08) 8281 5440
SILS Form
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