The following resources present information on effective programs and promising strategies for working with youth transitioning to adulthood. Resources include State and local examples.
Creating Access to Opportunities for Youth in Transition From Foster Care (PDF - 1,772 KB)
American Youth Policy Forum (2014)
Discusses challenges faced by youth transitioning out of foster care in the areas of sustainable social capital, permanency supports, and postsecondary opportunities and identifies promising practices in each area to help make the transition to adulthood successful.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2014)
Details the importance of evaluating housing programs for youth aging out of foster care and looks at the barriers to evaluation and how more evidence-based programs can be built.
National Conference of State Legislatures (2020)
Presents a podcast on promising practices for youth as they transition out of the foster care system. The podcast features a 23-year-old with lived experience in foster care who discusses challenges faced by older youth; a member of the Georgia House of Representatives who has been involved with legislation affecting youth in care; and Lynn Johnson from the Administration for Children and Families, who discusses the Federal government’s role in aiding States as they support young people in transition.
Supporting Young People Transitioning From Foster Care: Findings From a National Study (PDF - 1,750 KB)
Jordan, Fryar, & DeVooght (2017)
Child Trends
Provides highlights from a survey done on State child welfare agencies around the United States that work with youth who are transitioning into adulthood. The report provides State variations and alignments of each service, such as financial capability and education.
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care, Issue Brief 1: Education Programs (PDF - 384 KB)
Dworsky, Smithgall, & Courtney (2014)
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Examines the effectiveness of services provided by the Chaffee Independent Living Program with a specific focus on the educational outcomes of youth served through these programs.
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care, Issue Brief 2: Financial Literacy and Asset Building Programs (PDF - 360 KB)
Edelstein and Lowenstein (2014)
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Explores the Chaffee-funded independent living services provided to older foster youth in the areas of financial literacy and stability as they age out of foster care.
Supporting Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care, Issue Brief 3: Employment Programs (PDF - 391 KB)
Edelstein and Lowenstein (2014)
Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation
Highlights employment outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care and examines youth employment programs that aim to increase job prospects for specific populations.
Youth Transitioning into Adulthood Programs
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Provides information on programs to increase the skills, knowledge, and supports of youth who age out of the foster care system and need to live on their own. The programs help with independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing.
Youth Thrive: Catalyzing Systems to Stand With Youth
The Center for the Study of Social Policy (2019)
Ensures that communities offer support to youth and children; public systems provide the resources and opportunities needed, and policies create opportunities for all children, youth, and families.
State and local examples
Building a Foundation: Successful Transitions for Youth Using Evidence-Based Practices (PDF - 128 KB)
Sonoma County Human Services Department (2016)
Examines successful transitions for foster youth in San Mateo County, California using the evidence-based practices of mentoring and case management in the areas of education and employment services.
Moving Into Adulthood: Implementation Findings From the Youth Villages Transitional Living Evaluation (PDF - 3,604 KB)
Manno, Jacobs, Alson, & Skemer (2014)
MDRC
Reviews the Youth Villages Transitional Living program for foster youth in Tennessee, which is also being implemented in six other states. The report examines the program model and discusses key findings, challenges, and implications for expanding the program.
Ready By 21
Maryland Department of Human Services (2019)
Assists youth in foster care in Maryland with transition planning and provides assistance with education planning, health care, financial planning, and mentors for youth.