Aldeas Infantiles SOS provides transition housing for vulnerable youth in Chile

Aldeas Infantiles SOS Chile provides a transition apartment in Quilpué to help young women move from foster care to independent living.

The organization supports residents who grew up in protective housing and face challenges transitioning to adulthood without traditional family networks. The program aims to prevent these individuals from falling back into situations of vulnerability by providing a gradual path to autonomy.

The transition process begins as early as age 14 through a national program designed to prepare adolescents for economic independence. This initiative includes social, emotional, and technical support. For those aged 18 to 24 who lack family support and are pursuing studies, the organization offers "Casas de Transición a la Vida Adulta." These homes provide a temporary space where residents can learn to manage responsibilities while still having access to professional support from psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists.

The project addresses a gap in the current legal system, where state support often ends abruptly at age 18. While a current law allows extended support for students, advocates are pushing for legislation that would allow non-students to access these homes. In the Quilpué apartment, residents like Arantxa González and Michelle Martel receive tools to manage medical appointments, apply for social benefits, and maintain stable employment. The goal is for the residents to eventually manage all their needs individually.