Transitional Living Services

Damar’s unique Transitional Living Services program enables children and youth with severe developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to transition to and remain in the community. It is specially designed for youth who are:

• At risk of needing residential care
• Transitioning back to a family home from residential care
• Transitioning to a foster, group, or independent living setting
• Transitioning to adult supported living services/Medicaid Waiver Services
• In sibling groups whose best interest is to live together while receiving continued treatment services

The program currently operates more than 20 homes, most of which are in close proximity to Damar’s campus. Home sites are also located in Elkhart and Lafayette. Each location serves 1-3 youth and provides the following services and supports:

• 24-hour supervision and daily skills training/assistance by highly trained direct service staff
• Individual, family, and group counseling provided by a master’s level therapist
• ITP services provided by a multi-disciplinary treatment team, including health and recreational services
• IEP services provided by either Damar’s accredited on-campus school or one of the local public schools vIntegration into the community through daily exposure and practice
• Focus on family involvement, training, and support

Chafee Independent Living Services

Through a contract with the state of Indiana, Damar provides the Chafee Independent Living Services program to help ensure that older youth and young adults with developmental disabilities who exhibit moderate to high-risk behaviors remain in their communities.

This is achieved by assisting youth to maintain positive and permanent connections, while living in the least restrictive setting possible. Opportunities provided to youth through the program primarily focus on key developmental areas, including:

• Community integration
• Self-determination
• Self-advocacy
• Increased self-sufficiency

The skills, resources and expertise of Damar’s staff result in youth and their families being provided with a high quality, innovative continuum of care and treatment like none other in the state.

A daily living skills curriculum is utilized through role modeling, one-on-one and group instruction by specially trained staff members who act in the role of Life Skills Coaches, followed by daily opportunities to practice the skills in the community.

Chafee program services are provided based on individual assessment and include the following life domains:

• Educational services and supports through IEP and ITP development and coordination
• Vocation and employment training and job supports
• Volunteer opportunities
• Training and access related to physical and behavioral health services
• Daily living and social skill development in areas such as hygiene, nutrition, meal preparation, money management, medication management, and self-care
• Locating and maintaining appropriate housing
• Opportunities for socialization and interaction with peer groups in the community
• Development and practice of cultural, recreational, and spiritual goals

How to Access Our Services

• Department of Child Services
• Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services
• Probation departments

For referral and admission information, contract Carla Bill at 317-455-7130 or carlab@damar.org