Lighthouse independent living program: Characteristics of youth served and their outcomes at discharge

This study examined the outcomes of 455 young people who entered the Lighthouse Independent Living Program during the period 2001–2006. On average, clients were admitted shortly before their 18th birthdays, and remained in the program for just under 10 months. At discharge, 60% had completed high school/GED program, 31% were employed, and 33% were independently housed. However, there were significant differences in outcomes across subgroups. Clients who presented with four or more clinical risk factors were less likely to have completed high school/GED program, less likely to be employed, and less likely to be independently housed than those who presented with fewer risk factors. Those staying in the program for less than 6 months were more likely to complete high school, but less likely to be employed and to be independently housed than those remaining in the program longer. Clients entering the program at ages 19–20 years showed significantly better outcomes than younger clients. Female clients were more likely to be living independently at discharge, while no other gender or racial/ethnic group differences in outcomes were found. These descriptive data may provide useful benchmark data for independent living program planning, development, administration, and policy-making purposes.