Resources for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities

Transition age youth with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable populations within the foster care system. This population may need additional support as they face unique challenges in their transition to adulthood. There are various types of disabilities, including those that affect a person’s vision, movement, thinking, learning, communication, hearing, mental health, and social relationships. While there are several resources for the disabled community in general, there are multiple programs specifically available for transition age youth with disabilities.

Support Services

Child Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides various resources and tools that focus on topics that include child welfare, child abuse and neglect, out-of-home care, and adoption. The Child Information Gateway is a service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Child and Families, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Explore the Gateway’s web page Support Services for Youth in Transition for more information.

California Department of Developmental Services
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities, which may include intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and related conditions. For more information about DDS, please refer to the following link:

• Regional Center Eligibility & Services

Strategies to Empower People (S.T.E.P.)
The S.T.E.P. Program provides services and support to adults with developmental disabilities, including services for deaf/blind, cerebral palsy, and behavioral issues. Services that are offered include Supported Living, Independent Living, Vocational, and Interpreting Services. For more information about the S.T.E.P. Program, please refer to the following links:

• S.T.E.P. Agency
• S.T.E.P. Program/Referrals

Connections for Life
The Connections for Life program provides services for adults with intellectual disabilities. The program focuses on their five principles of supported living, which includes a home of one’s own, choice and self-direction, relationships, community membership, and flexible supports and services which provides opportunities for independence, personal freedom, and choice.

Creating Behavioral + Educational Momentum (CBEM)
CBEM works with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders in which they provide critical intervention services in areas such as individualized support, prevention and responsive services, and stabilization. For more information on available services, search CBEM’s Critical Intervention Services web page.

Employment

Youth Employment Opportunity Program
The State of California Employment Development Department has a Youth Employment Opportunity Program that provides services to youth ages 15 to 25 to aide them in reaching their educational and vocational goals. Services include peer advising, referrals to supportive services, education and career coaching, employment preparation and assistance, Youth Employment Opportunity Program workshops, and referral to trainings.

Department of Rehabilitation Student Services
The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides services that provide support for students ages 16-21 with an Individualized Education Program, 504 plan, or a disability. Services include pre-employment transition services in the areas of job exploration, work based learning, post-secondary education, work readiness, and self-advocacy.

• DOR Resources for Youth & Families
• DOR Independent Living Youth Programs Resource Directory

America’s Job Center of California (AJCC)
AJCC are one-stop centers for employment and training services that help job seekers focus on resumes, applying for job opportunities, interviewing techniques, and career guidance. There are more than 200 centers throughout the state of California where you can find the assistance you need.

Volunteers of America (VOA)
The VOA is a national, nonprofit, faith based organization that provides help to those in need. They support people by providing them with housing assistance, basic needs, mental health, and behavioral issues. They work towards empowering people with disabilities by providing supportive living services, case management, day program and supportive employment, specialized residential services, and supported living.

Disability Benefits (DB) 101 Services
This web site provides information about benefits and work and accessing and connecting community resources and experts who may assist you with your situation. Disability Benefits 101 California is funded by California Health Incentive Improvement Project, California Employment Development Department, California Department of Rehabilitation, and the California Department of Education.

Post-Secondary Education Support Services for Students with Disabilities

• California Community Colleges Disabled Student Programs and Services
• California State University Disability Services
• University of California Disability Services

Additional Resources

• Accessibility and Digital Security Guide – This web site provides a guide to cybersecurity for people with vision loss, hearing loss or a disability.

If you have any questions regarding the resources provided on this page, please contact the Transition Age Youth Policy unit at (916) 651-7465 or taypolicy@dss.ca.gov.

Source: California Department of Social Services | Resources for Transition Age Youth with Disabilities, https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/foster-care/resources-for-transition-age-youth-with-disabilities | Copyright © 2022 California Department of Social Services. Public domain.

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