Learn about effective programs and emerging strategies for working with youth transitioning to adulthood.
Best Practices for Working With Transition-Age Youth (TAY) Experiencing Homelessness (PDF - 1,270 KB)
Homelessness Policy Research Institute (2018)
Explores best practices for working with transition-age youth experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, CA, and finds enrollment in school, employment services, and rehousing programs can have a significant positive impact on these youth.
Education and Skills Training May Ease Transition to Adulthood for Young People Involved in Foster Care
Rosenberg, O’Meara, & Sanders (2020)
Child Trends
Presents the results of a study that showed youth in foster care and transitioning out of the foster care system need consistent, ongoing support through education and employment skills, training, and resources. Increasing access to programs and services that boost educational attainment, employment, and earnings can allow young people to thrive in adulthood.
Embracing a Youth Welfare System
Capacity Building Center for States (2019)
Outlines how child welfare agencies can shift from a child-focused system to a youth-focused system by implementing practices that support youth and their needs.
Fostering Youth Transitions: Using Data to Drive Policy and Practice Decisions
Annie E. Casey Foundation (2018)
Learn about challenges youth face when transitioning out of foster care and why the out-of-home care experience and outcomes differ for young people of color.
How Employment Programs Can Support Young People Transitioning Out of Foster Care: Formative Evaluation Findings of Two Employment Programs
Lansing, Daly, & Pergamit (2021)
Urban Institute
Examines two employment programs that serve young people transitioning out of foster care and looked at how these programs operate along with successes and challenges.
Interventions for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care: A State of the Science Review (PDF - 772 KB)
Greeson, Garcia, Tan, Chacon, & Ortiz (2020)
Children and Youth Services Review, 113
Examines programs and interventions for young people aging out of foster care and offers research recommendations on how the child welfare field can promote improved well-being of young people in care as they transition to adulthood.
State, Federal Policies Aim to Ease the Transition Out of Foster Care: Our American States, Episode 108 [Podcast]
National Conference of State Legislatures (2020)
Presents a podcast on emerging 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; a member of the Georgia House of Representatives; and Lynn Johnson from the Administration for Children and Families.
Transitioning Out of Foster Care: A Review of the Literature on Extended Support Services and Financial Literacy Programs (PDF - 495 KB)
Dempsey (2020)
Summarizes the needs of young people transitioning out of foster care and examines programs and strategies that can improve outcomes for transitioning youth.
Youth Share Their Experiences With Transitioning Into Adulthood [Video]
Texas Network of Youth Services (2021)
Features two youth from Texas who describe their experiences transitioning into adulthood, including what has helped, what they have learned, and why mental health resources are important.
Youth Transitioning From Foster Care: Background and Federal Programs (PDF - 1,517 KB)
Congressional Research Service (2019)
Describes issues faced by youth transitioning out of foster care and provides information on Federal programs intended to help youth currently and formerly in foster care make the transition to adulthood.
Youth Transitioning Into Adulthood Programs
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: Opportunities Into Action
Center for the Study of Social Policy
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.