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Characteristics, Service Experiences, and Outcomes of Transition-Aged Youth in Systems of Care: Programmatic and Policy Implications

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Abstract

This article examines data for 8,484 transition-aged youth (TAY) in different age groups who received services in 45 federally funded systems of care between 1997 and 2006. Data from the national evaluation of these systems of care were used to compare descriptive and clinical characteristics at intake of TAY aged 14–15, 16–17, and 18 years, and service use and outcomes of TAY aged 14–15 and 16–17 at 6 and 12 months after system of care intake. Few studies have examined outcomes of TAY. The large national evaluation database provides a unique opportunity to examine outcomes for TAY in relation to increases in age. Results revealed differences in severity and type of behavioral and emotional problems, living situations, access to Medicaid, service use, and outcomes among younger and older youth. Findings support the need to enhance access to services for older TAY and to customize services to the unique needs of each age group.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by contracts #280-97-8014, #280-00-8040, and #280-99-8023 to Macro International Inc. from the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Macro International Inc., 3 Corporate Square, Suite 370, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA

    Brigitte Manteuffel PhD & Robert L. Stephens PhD, MPH

  2. Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Room 6-1043, Rockville, MD, 20857, USA

    Diane L. Sondheimer MSN, MPH, CPNP & Sylvia K. Fisher PhD

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  1. Brigitte Manteuffel PhD
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  2. Robert L. Stephens PhD, MPH
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  3. Diane L. Sondheimer MSN, MPH, CPNP
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Correspondence to Brigitte Manteuffel PhD.

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Manteuffel, B., Stephens, R.L., Sondheimer, D.L. et al. Characteristics, Service Experiences, and Outcomes of Transition-Aged Youth in Systems of Care: Programmatic and Policy Implications. J Behav Health Serv Res 35, 469–487 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-008-9130-6

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