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State Programs:
Connecticut
The State offers supported education for young adults with serious mental illnesses that enroll in higher education. Funding is available for supported education counselors at the State University, which provides case management services with the disability office and also provides resource links for parents.

Hawaii
Imua Project—Honolulu, HI – This project focuses on transition from school to employment or higher education by offering workshops on self-advocacy and leadership both in and out of the school setting. There were hundreds of WIA service providers that were trained in this project.

Imua means pushing forward. The objective of this project is to support youth ‘pushing forward’ as they transition to school, employment or higher education with focus on self advocacy and leadership. The project arranges group activities and site visits to universities, youth service providers, community leaders, government agencies and potential employers. The youth have opportunities to attend career site visits, interview sessions with college counselors and career shadowing exercises.

Illinois
Madison County, IL
The Madison County E Living Program is geared toward high school dropouts ages 17 – 21 that with use of technology, provide students with a less stressful and more accessible delivery system on-line. The program is a fully accredited on-line diploma. (Granite City Paper)

Thresholds Young Adult Program in Chicago
This program is for youth 16 – 21 with psychiatric disabilities. The program uses a comprehensive approach, which includes traditional therapy, but also adds vocational training and placement, as well as, education services and housing. Thresholds also have an accredited school for youth with psychiatric disabilities with a student to teacher ratio of 5 to 1.

Pennsylvania
Education Plus Program in Pennsylvania offers individualized supports, study skills, peer, campus and general life supports to youth with mental health issues who are attending Pennsylvania colleges. The Pennsylvania State Grant Program also provides a tuition stipend for youth who age out of foster care.

Expert Recommendations:
Tunnels and Cliffs Report
There should be supported education programs with pre-admissions, counseling, financial planning, peer support groups, training and information sharing among staff and service providers.

Experts Consensus from Center for Mental Health Services
Recommends that there should be a waiver for loan, grants, and financial aid for YIT in regard to students being enrolled for at least half the school year.

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Table of Contents

Overview of Literature Search
Background
Best Practices

I)      Access and Linkages
A. Cross Systems Approach
B. Care Coordination
C. Family Links
D. Workforce

II)     Population
A. Eligibility
B. Diverse Populations Involved with Youth in Transition
C. Schools (Screenings and Assessments)

III)   Services
         A. Overarching Service Needs
B. Employment
C. Education Services
D. Self-Determination and Empowerment
E. Youth Mentors
F. Clinical Services
G. Individualized and Person Centered Planning
H. Cultural Competence
I. Adult Skills Training

IV)   Financing
A. Overarching Funding including Blended Models
B. Youth Oriented Services
C. Employment and Education
             (Subset of Youth-Oriented Services)
D. Clinical Services

V)     Housing
A. Various Housing Options for Youth in Transition
B. YIT Services Linked to Housing
C. Housing Model Funding

VI)   Transition to Independence Process System (TIP)
        (Emerging Best Practice)

Summary

Resources

Literature Search: End Notes

Advisory Group Members

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