Characteristics, service experiences, and outcomes of transition-aged youth in systems of care: programmatic and policy implications.

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.