Supporting a Successful Transition to Independence for Youth in Residential Care Programs.

Child welfare; Health services accessibility; Independent living; Autonomy (Psychology); Professional practice; Social workers; Endowments; Education; Social services; Anger; Medical case management; Strategic planning; Uncertainty; Psychological adaptation; Codes of ethics; Mentoring; Family roles; Peer counseling; Transitional programs (Education); Organizational change; Shame; Housing; Social support; Residential care; Mental depression; Well-being; Employment; Adolescence

The outcomes for youth in care who are transition-aged continue to be a concern, regardless of setting (i.e., foster homes, residential treatment centers, residential group homes). Successful transitional programming must consider the complex needs of these youth. This review synthesizes approaches to transition planning for youth in residential care programs. Five themes emerged from the literature: extending care, independent living, mentoring, self-determination, and policy interventions. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Child Welfare is the property of Child Welfare League of America and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)