Transition Youth

What is transition youth?

Our program provided supportive services to individuals between the ages of 16 to 24, who are at high risk of not successfully transitioning into independent adulthood due to the complexity of their needs, the many challenges they face, and the lack of a support system to assist them. This includes the millions of American youth and young adults who are annually aging out of the foster care system, leaving psychiatric hospitals or adult or juvenile correctional facilities, Transition Youth disconnected from school and employment, homeless youth, and other vulnerable young people.

For transition age youth, this developmental phase can be marked with particular challenges. Many have lived separated from family and had their days structured completely by the placements they were in for long periods of time. Other young people who remained in their homes and communities have struggled with environmental or internal stressors and limited access to responsive adults. The chronic stress and/or trauma that transition age youth experience change the brain, causing automatic or “fight or fight” responses to situations that aren’t actual threats. This type of reflexive and reactive response to situations can negatively impact young people’s ability to enjoy success at work, in relationships or in community.

Transition Age Youth Model seeks to equip young people with the skills and supports they need to be healthy, connected and productive adults from within their homes and communities. It does so by focusing on a few key indicators or domains of well-being: safe and stable housing, physical and mental health, educational/vocational support, employment opportunities and lasting positive relationships and support.

Our organization provides support to young people who remain living within the community, either independently, with fictive or biological family, or others.

EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT: Young people will either be actively engaged in a vocational/educational program and/or with some form of employment.

SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS: Young people will identify quality, lasting relationships with at least two individuals.