The opportunity for learning vocational and inde- pendent living skills is limi~ed for psychiatrically impaired adolescents. Few resources exist in local public education s stems to (Y meet their unique needs. A vocational readiness and in ependent living skills (VRIL) training program has been developed to address the needs of clients aged 12 to 18 years who are enrolled in a combination long term residential treatment and specialized education program. The VRIL's program is based on systems theory which integrates structured learning activities with the client's daily living and treatment regime. A case study illustrates the VRIL's program effectiveness with one chronically psychiatrically impaired adolescent in ,the development and maintenance of vocational readiness and independent living skills.