In 1997 Kibble expanded its services to include a 3-bedded Preparation for independent Living Unit (PILU). This unit gives young people the opportunity to test out, and have an experience of, semi-independent living, allowing them to learn the reality of what it may be like when they are no longer looked after. PILU enables them to make mistakes and still be supported.
The environment is modelled on normal domestic living arrangements and consists of a living area, kitchen, shower/bathroom and three individual bedrooms. All the young people are encouraged to personalise their living space and take an active role in the cleaning/maintenance of the unit. They also have partial budgetary responsibility for, and cooking of, their own food.
Keyworkers are assigned to the young people prior to admission, which is usually from one of the residential units in Kibble. Young people undertake a program called “Skills For Life” which has a variety of focused topics related to Throughcare/Aftercare skills i.e. money matters, safety in the home, personal development etc. Other areas covered by Keyworkers include casework, family mediation and collaborative practice with external agencies.