State Programs:
Ohio
Kern City DMH — On-site service coordinator with an array of housing and service goals includes: housing stability; like skills development; management of symptoms; education; employment; benefits acquisition; and commitment to the community. Mental health and case management services are provided to address obstacles to independence.
New York
New York City – Chelsea Foyer – Personalized program of services up to twenty four months with goal of permanent housing. There is an on-site case manager and Independent Living counselors dedicated to services and linkages to job training, placement and education and vocational services. The case manager and independent living counselor work with the youth to develop an individualized Action Plan.
New York City – Stepping Stone – 1 case manager for every 10 tenants and an employee specialist. Participation in the program is a required condition of residence.
California
Oakland Coolidge Court—On site property manager and case manager provide a significant level of as needed support for independent living skills and mental health symptom management. Though this is permanent housing, the goal of Coolidge Court is to insure YIT become more independent and self sufficient and move to a more independent setting.
Los Angeles — Portals Tay Program provides housing support services including case manager, life skills training, mental health treatment, job prep, and education assistance. In addition, all students have to attend Tenants College where curriculum includes financial literacy, self-determination housekeeping skills, energy conservation, nutrition and leisure time management. (Supported Housing Transition Age Youth—CSH)
Indiana
Indiana Stepping Stones Program – Clustered housing with 24-hour resident assistant and staffed community center with life skills coaching and training, job skills, and case management. The outcomes of this model are impressive. Of 32 people who were in the program, 63% have earned high school diplomas or GED’s, 35% go on to higher education, and 37% are still in high school or GED class. (Stepping Stones Web Site)
Expert Recommendations:
Pennsylvania
This Youth Housing Workgroup, comprised of transition age youth, family members, providers and stakeholders, recommends that specific needs of youth and young adults be including in their housing. (Pennsylvania State Web Site)
The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.’s Report
Implement on-site vocational and educational services in supportive housing units including benefits counseling as a best practices.
Corporation for Supported Housing Report
Youth Culture
It is important that projects embrace and be competent in their understanding of youth culture. For example, providing on-site access to current technology such as the internet, allowing home rules that tolerate music and providing space that is inviting to youth gatherings and guests embraces the youth culture.
Adolescent Development
Service providers must be able to distinguish normal feelings and behaviors among adolescents from feelings and behaviors, which may signal unmet mental health or substance abuse needs.
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)