The following resources address the needs of youth with disabilities who are transitioning out of foster care and offer strategies for developing appropriate support services for them. State and local examples are included.
The Best Ways to Help Young Adults With Disabilities Transition Out of Foster Care
Integrity, Inc.
Reviews proper transition planning for youth with disabilities who are aging out of the foster care system and gives information on topics such as planning, recruiting a dedicated team, research, finding the right program, and more.
Foster Care Transition Toolkit (PDF - 1,106 KB)
U.S. Department of Education (2016)
Helps youth transitioning out of foster care access the resources they need to successfully move into adulthood and on to postsecondary education and meaningful careers. The toolkit includes a section for students with disabilities.
Housing Resources for People With Disabilities
USA.gov (2020)
Offers information on Federal, State, and local housing programs for people with disabilities, including information on renting, owning a home, independent living centers, and more.
Improving the Transition to Adulthood for Youth With Disabilities in Foster Care
Juvenile Law Center
Provides access to three tools to help youth with disabilities, child welfare professionals, and advocates as youth prepare for the transition from foster care to adulthood. The tools include two guides and a planning tool to help improve quality of life for this population.
Preparing Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities for Work: What School Leaders Need to Know About the New Legal Landscape (PDF - 663 KB)
Hill, Kline, & Richards (2018)
Institute for Educational Leadership
Discusses how school leaders can help prepare youth with disabilities for their transition into adulthood and the workplace. The resource examines the legal landscape relating to transition services for students with disabilities and provides tips for how to achieve successful transitions.
Spotlight on SSI Benefits for Disabled or Blind Youth in Foster Care
Social Security Administration (2020)
Explains eligibility for Social Security Income for youth who are blind or have a disability and are aging out of foster care.
A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth With Disabilities (PDF - 953 KB)
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (2020)
Offers information on transition planning and programs that help prepare students with disabilities for postsecondary education. The guide includes information on transition services, education and training options after college, and supports for students with disabilities to prepare them for independence in adulthood.
Transition Planning and Self-Determination for Youth With Disabilities
Youth Engaged 4 Change
Discusses transitions for youth with disabilities and examines barriers to successful transitions, the role of self-determination, and the Guiding Your Success Tool. The tool helps youth with disabilities learn about achieving educational goals, career exploration and planning, available supports, and more.
What To Know About Youth Transition Services for Students and Youth With Disabilities (PDF - 446 KB)
Federal Partners in Transition Workgroup (2016)
Presents suggestions on creating and promoting inclusive services and programs for transition-age youth with disabilities as they prepare for postsecondary education, the workforce, and independent living.
What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (PDF - 337 KB)
Social Security Administration
Describes key resources and information for youth with disabilities receiving SSI. The pamphlet covers the age 18 redetermination, work incentives and supports, payments, the earned income exclusion, grants, scholarships, and more.
State and local examples
5 Ways to Support Youth With Disabilities in Transition Planning
Mead, Tornquist, & Robbins
Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education
Presents five methods to help support youth with disabilities as they plan for transitions. The methods include supporting youth voice; presuming competence; staying involved; providing opportunities to practice independence; and helping youth access information, support networks, and tools.
The Best Ways to Help Young Adults With Disabilities Transition Out of Foster Care
Integrity, Inc.
Provides information about youth with disabilities transitioning out of foster care in Arkansas, including how caregivers and others can support the process.
Delaware Disability Hub
Assists teens and young adults in Delaware with special educational or health-care needs in planning during their transition years. The website helps youth, parents, caregivers, and professionals find resources, guidance, and information to help make the transition years successful and includes videos on how to navigate the website.
Housing Choices for Young Adults With Disabilities
Navigate Life Texas
Reviews assisted and independent living programs for young adults with disabilities in Texas. The webpage gives tips on beginning housing planning and information on housing choices.
Out of Home Placement Services: Ready by 21 Policy Manual
Maryland Department of Human Resource, Social Services Administration (2017)
Gives guidance on preparing youth in foster care, including those with disabilities, for transitioning from out-of-home placement into successful adulthood.
Resources for Transition Age Youth With Disabilities
California Department of Social Services
Highlights programs available to youth in California with disabilities as they transition out of the foster care system. The webpage reviews several programs that provide services related to general supports, employment, and postsecondary education.
Transition for Youth With Intellectual Disabilities (PDF - 899 KB)
Carbone (2018)
University of Michigan Department of Social Work
Presents information on supports for youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood in Michigan and includes information on services available, Social Security income, housing options, and other topics.
Transition Services For Youth Who Are Disabled or Aging Out of Foster Care
kidcentral tn
Provides information on services available to youth with disabilities in Tennessee, including pre-employment services, that can help with a successful transition into the workforce. The webpage also includes a section on transitioning out of foster care and provides examples of resource centers across the State.
Transitioning Youth With Disabilities
Florida Foster Care Review
Outlines the needs of youth with disabilities transitioning out of the child welfare system in Florida and discusses initiatives in place to help ensure a seamless transition to adulthood for these young people.