Understanding Transition Points

Today in America, there are some three million young people (ages 16-24) who are not in school and also are out of work for substantial periods of time. Sometimes they are referred to as "youth in transition” or “disconnected youth" - highlighting the fact that they are marginal to the dominant social institutions that provide pathways to success for most young people in our society.

The three million young people in transition comprise about 8% of youth in the 16-24 age group. About one third are parents, as many as 50,000 are homeless, many have lived for long periods of time in foster homes, and over 400,000 (97% male) are in correctional facilities. If nothing changes, at least half of these three million young people likely will spend much of their lives socially isolated and unemployed or marginally employed at best. It is a testimony to their determination and resiliency that the other half will find educational opportunities and, ultimately, enter the workforce.

Key Transition Points

There are four key transition points at which major efforts should be made to help those disconnecting to reconnect. One point is when a young person drops out of school. The most likely path to long-term disconnection from the labor force is dropping out of school or graduating via a GED, particularly for males. For women, a key transition point is if they have a child out of wedlock, especially if they become a parent before age 20. A third point is entry into the juvenile or criminal justice systems, especially for those who are incarcerated. Following incarceration, young offenders face major barriers in connecting successfully to school or jobs, family and friends. A fourth point relates to those young people who spend a significant portion of their adolescence living in a foster home or residential placement. When they leave these placements, especially if they are 18 or older, they are very unlikely to connect with society's institutions (many have already become disconnected by dropping out of school or running away from their placement). This does not mean that dropping out of school, being arrested, or early parenthood causes social disconnection; most human conditions have many contributing factors. However, these actions are simply the best predictors of long-term disconnection and the diminished life prospects linked with this condition.

A growing body of knowledge recognizes the cumulative impact of stressful life events during transition periods. Alienating institutions, discrimination and the hardships that come with poverty and from lacking the skills necessary to tend to the economic and social responsibilities of adulthood not only demoralize many young people, but leave many struggling to make the best decisions they can without clear direction or support. Research on the complexity of these challenges points to the need for not just transitional but transformational services, supports and opportunities that help our most vulnerable young people reconnect with their futures. The good news is that everything we know about development suggests that vulnerable, ill-served youth — even those who carry with them a decade of inadequate services and poor behavior — can transform their lives when support is delivered comprehensively, consistently and in ways that respect their voices and recognize and build on their strengths.