Definition for Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood Programs:
Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Programs are defined by the CEBC as programs that increase the skills, knowledge, and supports of youth who age out of the child welfare system while in out-of-home care and, therefore, have to transition out of the foster care system and live on their own. Transition programs are aimed at increasing independent living and self-sufficiency skills and/or developing formal or informal social connections that can provide guidance and support to youth beyond their time in foster care or receiving services. Independent living and self-sufficiency skills could include employment (including readiness and retention), financial management, healthy meal planning and preparation, securing and maintaining stable housing, and/or other life skills.
Every year in California, more than 4,000 youth age out of foster care. The youth who age out of foster care are more likely to experience difficulty managing the transition from dependent adolescence to independent adulthood. Foster youth face unique challenges for making a successful transition into adulthood in employment, higher education, marriage, and parenthood. A large number of these youth have special needs including mental health issues and disabilities, both learning and physical. Former foster youth face the added burden of a disrupted childhood and possible lack of family support. The transition period from adolescence to adulthood is longer and more complex for today's young adults.
Target population: Transition age youth who may age out of the foster care system, have already aged out of it, or have emancipated from it
Services/types that fit: Services including assessment, case planning, case management, counseling or mentoring on issues related to emerging adulthood, development of social connections and support systems, education, financial support, and/or skill building
Delivered by: Child welfare caseworkers, trained paraprofessionals, educators, and mental health professionals
In order to be included: Program must specifically target the needs of youth aging out of the foster care system or the needs of youth with similar characteristics (e.g., runaway and homeless youth, pregnant or parenting youth, youth with mental health needs or developmental disabilities, etc.) as they enter adulthood as a goal
In order to be rated: There must be research evidence (as specified by the Scientific Rating Scale) that examines outcomes for youth transitioning into adulthood such as independent living/self-sufficiency skills, family/social connections, employment, higher education, housing, and parenthood
Programs in this Topic Area
The programs listed below have been reviewed by the CEBC and, if appropriate, been rated using the Scientific Rating Scale.
One Program with a Scientific Rating of 2 - Supported by Research Evidence:
Low-income young people who need assistance obtaining their high school diploma or equivalency credentials and job skills
Why was this topic chosen by the Advisory Committee?
The Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Programs topic area is relevant to child welfare because older foster youth may need assistance obtaining the skills and knowledge required for a successful transition into adulthood. Since the passing of the Chaffee Foster Care Independence Act, some funds have been available to serve this population. However, outcome studies still demonstrate many youth are homeless, pregnant, and unemployed after leaving care. Child Welfare Agencies and the Courts need information on effective youth transitioning services and supports; and need to know how to help youth establish or re-establish strong and enduring ties to one or more nurturing adults.
Roseann Myers Former CEBC Advisory Committee Member
Topic Expert
Curtis McMillen, PhD, Professor School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago Chicago, IL
