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DHS, 1515 Arch St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-683-4DHS
Home >  Children and Youth Division > Achieving Independence Center

Achieving Independence Center


A "One-Stop" Self-Sufficiency Program for Youth Transitioning to Independence

Each year in Philadelphia, an estimated 2000 to 2500 children prepare to leave the child welfare system. Studies have shown that without support, a significant portion of youth transitioning from care experience homelessness, victimization, unemployment and dependency on various types of public assistance.

To help this population make a successful transition to adulthood, DHS has established the Achieving Independence Center aims to ensure that youth leaving care have an opportunity to develop independent living skills, build a network of social supports, find safe, affordable housing and stable employment before they leave care. The AIC is a collaborative one-stop Center that provides access to a full range of independent living services to meet each youth's individual transition needs. Services include:
  • Life skills training including daily living skills, money management, self-care, personal and social development
  • Mentoring
  • Family Planning
  • Housing assistance
  • Educational Support Services
  • Job readiness training
  • Hands-on Job training program in hospitality and food service
  • Computer Certification

Eligibility

Youth must:
  • Be between 16 and 21 years old;
  • Be in or have been in out-of-home placement at or after age 16; and
  • Have been adjudicated dependent OR dependent and delinquent with shared case management responsibility between DHS and the juvenile probation office.

The Achieving Independence Center is located at 701 Market Street in Philadelphia.
To refer a youth call 215-574-9194.

To read more about the many services offered by the Achieving Independence Center, click here.

·Achieving Reunification Center
·Who We Are - Operations
·Who We Are - Program Development & Support