Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults with Emotional Disturbance: Description and Initial Results of Project RENEW

Abstract

The transition from school to adulthood poses a major challenge for youth with emotional disturbance. This article reports the initial results of Project RENEW, a three-year demonstration project funded by the Rehabilitation Services Administration, that provides comprehensive coordination of transition services for youth and young adults with emotional disturbance's social/emotional development, community adjustment, education, and employment. The project uses seven major components: (a) personal futures planning, (b) interagency coordination, (c) naturally supported employment, (d) flexible high school programming, (e) social skill building, (f) mentors, and (g) flexible funding to support an individual's successful transition. Results after the first 18 months of RENEW for 16 youth and young adults (ages 16-22) indicated that 15 were successfully employed, 11 had graduated from high school or its equivalent (adult basic education diploma or GED), 3 were working on their high school diplomas, and most were satisfied with their home, work and school situations.