Good Morning Bermuda,
It is certainly a thankful Thursday as we are here to commemorate the launch of Bermuda’s first Independent Living Programme for young adults aged 18 – 24 who were previously in the Care of the Director of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
I am happy to be joined by the Hon. Col. David Burch, Minister of Public Works, MP Mrs. Renee Ming, MP Mr. Kim Swan, MP Ms. Lovitta Foggo, MP Ms. Susan Jackson, Mr. George Dowling III, the Mayor of St. George’s, Mrs. Kennette Robinson, Assistant Director of DCFS, Mrs. Charmaine Richardson, Independent Living Coordinator, St. George’s Community Members and Stakeholders, and invited guests.
It is heartwarming to be here today as we celebrate the new beginning of a truly community centered programme.
Developing the Independent Living Programme has been a collaborative initiative; and on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I would like to thank the Department of Child and Family Services, The Ministry of Public Works, The Bermuda Housing Corporation and highlight our Community Resources in the Departments of Education, Financial Assistance, Workforce Development, Bermuda College, HSBC, and the Mirrors Programme.
In 2020, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors committed to developing this programme as a Throne Speech initiative and in 2021/22 we received budget allocation to move forward with development.
All involved in this project have been diligently working to bring this vision to life, and today as we ‘cut the ribbon’ to signify this new beginning, we can do so knowing that this programme is the first of its kind
whereby the Government is providing a lifeline and safety net to young adults ageing out of the care of the Director of DCFS and affording them the best opportunity for success as they transition into adulthood.
This valuable housing programme will provide guidance, support and allow our young adults to obtain the necessary life skills to be productive, self-sufficient, and independent citizens.
Typically for most of our young adults, when they turn 18 they do not have to think about where they will live post their 18th birthday. For most of us, we recognise that at age 18, although legally an adult, our young adults still need nurturing and guidance into adulthood before actually leaving their ‘safety net.’
While some children in the Care of the Director of DCFS have this ‘safety net,’ whether it’s through foster parents who have cared for them and choose to keep them in their household into adulthood, or other familial support, some do not have this ‘safety net.’
Not all foster parents or families are in a position to provide this opportunity, and for the children in Residential Care, they often have no other options when family or others cannot take them in.
For these young adults, they are in a vulnerable position and historically this time of transition has been stressful and at times damaging to those who do not have the family or other significant foundation to guide and support them into adulthood.
Through the Independent Living Programme, the Government has committed to empowering these young adults.
The Programme has been developed in alignment with the Council of Accreditation Standards, and the Coordinator, Mrs. Charmaine Richardson, has obtained Certification as an Independent Living Specialist.
The Independent Living Programme is a 24 hour secure and staffed facility which has capacity for up to 12 young adults for a maximum of 2 years, and they will participate in:
- Life Skills Groups
- Guided Goal Setting
- Advocacy
- Educational Planning
- Community Engagement
- Peer Support and;
- Individual Counseling
The Life Skills Groups include:
- Money Management such as consumer awareness, opening bank accounts, budgeting, understanding credit, ATM’s and online banking
- Food Management such as cooking, shopping, meal planning, following recipes, and ordering in a restaurant
- Personal Appearance such as grooming, hygiene, and appropriate attire for workplace and community
- Health such as scheduling medical and dental appointments and the importance of medical insurance
- Housekeeping
- Job Maintenance/Sustainability
- Emergency and Safety Skills
- Knowledge of Community Resources
- Interpersonal Skills and Healthy Relationships
- Legal Knowledge
- Spirituality
- Volunteering and;
- Leisure Activities
Bermuda, this a transformational moment in history, and we look forward to our young adults being empowered and encouraged to contribute positively to our community.
Once again, thank you to every person, organisation and the community who has contributed, and will continue to contribute, to the success of the Independent Living Programme.
At this time, I would like to welcome my colleague, Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Col. David Burch, and the Assistant Director of the Department of Child and Family Services Team to share remarks.