Transitions for Youth*
Youth transitioning from the child welfare system into adulthood are faced with many challenges and are at higher risk for homelessness, substance abuse and unstable employment. The Transitions for Youth program follows the six domains of Positive Youth Development:
- STABLE HOUSING
- ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
- JOB READINESS
- EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
- FINANCIAL LITERACY
- PEER, ADULT, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Transitions for Youth is a multi-faceted program whose goals are to provide supportive services that address each domain ensuring that supportive relationships with adults and within their communities are formed. Youth involved in the programming are involved in its design, development and implementation.
According to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) statistics in 2002:
- 35% of youth receiving independent living services in New Jersey were learning disabled
- 18% had no involvement with their families of origin
- 12% were diagnosed as emotionally disturbed
- 8% had psychiatric diagnoses
- 6% of youth who received independent living services were attending college (2004)
- 4% were developmentally or physically challenged
- Many of these children had run away at least once from their placement
Transitions for Youth provides programs that are youth-driven and available in mediums attractive to young people. One critical such service is the TransitionsforYouth.org website, which provides real-time information to young people about issues affecting them. The website offers assistance to young people, as well as parents, service providers, child welfare staff and others interested in supporting the success of these young people.
*Transitions for Youth is a program run with the support of the
Center for Nonprofit Management and Governance.