PA-YIL 9: Transition from the Service System
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Youth are prepared for young adulthood with positive experiences and skills to move successfully to living and managing on their own.
The agency provides individuals transitioning to independence with six months minimum advance notice of the cessation of any health, financial, educational or other benefits that will occur at transition or
case closing.
The agency prepares youth for a successful transition by providing youth and collaborating providers:
- transfer or termination of custody information, as applicable;
- information about rights and services to which the person may have access as a result of a disability;
- information on availability of affordable community-based healthcare and counseling;
- court and welfare systems information;
- child care services information; and
- support through community volunteers or individuals who have made a successful transition, as appropriate.
Interpretation: The agency provides
client information in accordance with applicable legal requirements for obtaining consent to provide client information. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1401 (30), the IEP team (school
personnel and child’s
parents) for a child 14 and older can determine what transition services are needed to prepare for the future and adulthood. Services can exceed education and
training to include independent living, community participation and integrated services.
During the transition process, and prior to case closing, the agency explores a range of living situations with individuals and engages them in an
evaluation of the risks and benefits of various housing options.
Interpretation: Housing options may include a full range from supported living to a fully independent living environments.
The agency ensures that an adequate living arrangement is in place for every person transitioning to independence and, when possible, provides supervised household
management practice.
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Research Note: Research indicates that many youth separated from their homes experience high levels of housing instability and are at increased risk for homelessness. Accordingly, some experts emphasize the importance of providing concrete assistance to help youth secure appropriate housing and recommend that independent living programs subsidize rental costs or develop transitional housing programs. |
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For every person transitioning to independence, the agency ensures that basic resources are in place, including:
- a source of income;
- affordable health care;
- access to at least one committed, caring adult; and
- access to positive peer support.
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Research Note: A landmark longitudinal study following development of children from infancy to adulthood found that youth who made a successful transition to adulthood tended to seek out and rely for support on a caring individual, who could be a family or community member, or substitute caregiver. Youth participating in a long term aftercare service and study report that having a consistent, caring counselor contributes to having positive aspirations and meeting personal goals. |
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The agency assists individuals in obtaining or compiling documents necessary to function as an independent adult, including:
- an identification card;
- a social security or social insurance number;
- a resume, when work experience can be described;
- a driver’s license, when the ability to drive is a goal;
- medical records and documentation, including a Medicaid card or other health eligibility documentation;
- an original copy of the youth’s birth certificate;
- religious documents and information;
- documentation of immigration, citizenship, or naturalization, when applicable;
- death certificates when parents are deceased;
- a life book or a compilation of personal history and photographs, as appropriate;
- a list of known relatives, with relationships, addresses, telephone numbers, and permissions for contacting involved parties;
- previous placement information; and
- educational records, such as high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, and a list of schools attended, when age-appropriate.
As a continuing resource for information, crisis management, referral, and support, the agency provides each person with:
- a transition plan summary, including the individual’s options;
- a list of emergency contacts, and
- the organization’s contact information.
Guidelines for a planned, orderly case closing process are clear, include expectations for
service recipient involvement, assign staff responsibility, and ensure notification of any collaborating service providers, including the courts, as appropriate.
