Community Living Independent Programming and Skills (CLIPS)

The Community Living Independent Programming and Skills (CLIPS) program is designed to provide youth with a structured environment with staff support while teaching them the skills and providing them with the resources to successfully integrate into the community.

CLIPS operates under the umbrella of non-secure detention at the West Central Regional Juvenile Center. However, the program is located in a separate area of the facility and is run independently from non-secure detention. The CLIPS area and programming is designed with the notion that the youth served will develop the skills to live more independently once they have graduated from the program. CLIPS offers services for adjudicated delinquent youth ages 16-19 that are transitioning from out-of-home placements to their own living situations.

Referrals are accepted from Probation Services and Social Services. Schooling (high school or GED), employment, independent living and life skills are the key components of this program. Residents who graduate successfully from this demonstrated the ability to hone independent living skills while developing a sense of independence with the help of their onsite case manager and skills worker.

If you would like to make a referral to the CLIPS program, please complete the CLIPS Referral Form and return it to Dustin Berg at dustin.berg@co.clay.mn.us or call 218.299.5150 for additional information.

CLIPS Program Admissions Criteria

CLIPS program supervisor will complete an assessment prior to the youth being admitted. This includes a thorough review of written materials and interviews with referring agencies, the potential client, and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s). Referrals will be accepted from court services, probation services, and social services. Demographic Criteria

•Age 16 to 19

•Youth who are transitioning from out-of-home placements to their own living environment

•Goal of Independence

Goal of Permanent Independence 

Family-related CLIPS 3functioning will not impair client's ability to seek gainful employment, continue educational goals or live successfully in an apartment or other living situation. Educational Direction and Goals CLIPS program understands that many youth entering independent living programs have fallen behind   on their educational plan. The staff will provide support, guidance and direction to help these youth re-establish an individualized educational program on site or in the community with attainable goals. Youth are expected to actively work toward their educational goals.

Demonstrate Day to Day Independence 

Youth entering the CLIPS program must be able to function independently with minimal staff supervision and demonstrate sufficient impulse control as well as the ability to manage their daily activities, employment, education and social interaction. 

Medication 

Youth on medication will be given their medications as prescribed by prescribing doctors and will be kept in the staff office in the locked medicine cabinet.

Professional Therapeutic Services

If a youth comes to CLIPS program with a background of criminal and/or oppositional behavior and/or unresolved emotional issues, the staff will link them to relevant services within the community to assist them as they develop in their independence. Youth are expected to use community services as part of their programming.

EmploymCLIPSent and Vocational Goals

Youth entering the CLIPS program may arrive without a prior work history or marketable skills. CLIPS staff members will help the youth gain vocational experience and move into entry-level work. Youth are expected to actively work toward their employment goals.

CLIPS Specialized Services Offered 

  • On-site Case Management
  • On-site Skills WorkerCLIPS 2
  • Monthly progress reports from case management to referring agency
  • Evening CBT and Skill groups
  • On and Off-Site Individualized School Program
  • Higher education preparation
  • Individual Treatment Case Plans
  • Obtain Legal documents (birth certificates, social security cards, state ID)
  • Obtain a Drivers Permit
  • Daily Physical Recreation (on and off-site)
  • Medication Management
  • Community Service Work opportunities
  • Outdoor Activities within the Community and Surrounding Areas
  • Employment Skills and Employment Opportunities (all residents will either volunteer or work)
  • Nutrition Education Group (University of MN Extension)
  • Grocery budgeting and shopping
  • Individual Therapy Sessions with a Licensed Professional