Working With Youth to Develop a Transition Plan

All young people face challenges as they prepare for the transition to adulthood, but youth who exit foster care due to age restrictions rather than a permanent placement face additional challenges as they prepare to leave care and begin their adult lives. To support youth in making a successful transition and achieving positive outcomes, child welfare professionals can partner with youth to develop their personalized transition plan. It is important to view transition planning as a process that unfolds over time and through authentic youth engagement rather than as a checklist of items to accomplish.

This bulletin is intended to help child welfare professionals and others partner with youth to develop a transition plan that meets Federal requirements, builds on their strengths, and supports their needs. To provide insight into the thoughts and experiences of youth, Child Welfare Information Gateway conducted a series of interviews with youth who have transitioned out of foster care. Interviewees' names have been changed to protect their identities.

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