Resources address the needs of transitioning youth with disabilities and offer strategies for developing appropriate support services for them, including State and local examples.
The Best Ways to Help Young Adults With Disabilities Transition Out of Foster Care
Integrity, Inc. (2015)
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, researching, 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 a disability and provides links, resources, and additional information for youth with disabilities.
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.
Spotlight on SSI Benefits for Disabled or Blind Youth in Foster Care
Social Security Administration (2017)
Explains eligibility for Social Security Income (SSI) for youth who allege blindness or disability and are aging out of foster care.
Tackling Foster Care Age-Out Issues
American Bar Association (2013)
Examines issues faced by youth aging out of the foster care system, including a section on youth with disabilities, "Addressing Health and Disability Issues During Transitional Planning." This section of the article discusses transition planning for youth with disabilities.
Youth in Transition: Youth Development and Leadership
U.S. Department of Labor
Provides links to resources for youth with disability preparing to transition to adulthood. The site includes information on mentors and role models, cultivating leadership, education, employment, and more.
What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (PDF - 337 KB)
Social Security Administration (2016)
Describes key resources and information for youth with disabilities receiving SSI. "Helping Young People with Disabilities Successfully Transition to Adulthood," a Social Security Matters blog post, explains the expanded early application period for youth with disabilities leaving foster care, which may help facilitate a smoother transition to adult SSI benefits.
State and local examples
Improving Coordination of Services for Vulnerable Youth in Transition in Montgomery County (PDF - 7,291 KB)
Montgomery County Family and Children First Council (2012)
Discusses challenges facing vulnerable youth transitioning to adulthood in Montgomery County, Ohio, including those who are aging out of the foster care system and those with disabilities. The report also examines best practices for serving youth in transition and lists recommendations for improvement.
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.
Transition for Youth With Intellectual Disabilities (PDF - 899 KB)
University of Michigan Department of Social Work (2017)
Presents information on supports for youth with disabilities transitioning to adulthood in Michigan and includes information on services available, Social Security income, and housing options, among other topics.
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.