Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

The domains covered in the Guidebook match the domains of the ACLSA (Career Planning, Communication, Daily Living, HomeLife, Housing & Money Management, Self Care, Social Relationships, Work & Study, and Work Life) 3 . Each domain contains a listof Learning Goals, Expectations, and Activities. Focus groups of practitioners, policy makers, youth, caregivers, and independentliving researchers designed the Learning Goals (competencies). The focus groups represent a variety of geographic locationsthroughout the United States. After developing the Learning Goals, a panel of experts (researchers, gender, ethnic, and developmentalexperts, leaders of innovative independent living /transition programs, youth, alumni, and caregivers) reviewed the Guidebook forrelevancy and accuracy. Resources, Learning Goals and Activities are regularly reviewed and updated. Guidebook Supplements to theCasey Life Skills Assessment Supplements are also created and reviewed.The Guidebook outlines the Learning Goals people need to master in order to live on their own. Some Learning Goals are consideredideal; some are targeted as important for becoming professionals in the work force. Other aspects like education (e.g., academicevaluations and preparation), employment (e.g., career selection and preparation), and social support are also vital to success. Weencourage comprehensive assessment in these areas as well using the tools developed by experts for these areas.3 The Life Skills Guidebook is focused on life skills. It is recognized that life skills are only one aspect of living independently, others include education andemployment.Life Skills Guidebook 192©2004 by Casey Family Programs.