Overview of Literature Search

This is a literature search dedicated to identifying existing innovative practices, as well as, expert recommendations regarding issues for Youth-in-Transition with psychiatric disabilities between the ages of 16-25.

This Literature Review is meant to serve as a ‘snapshot’ of some of the nation’s most innovative practices regarding youth-in-transition. The purpose of the literature search is to help in identifying best practice models for inclusion in a White Paper and a statewide educational symposium.

A White Paper, scheduled to be released in 2010, will provide a much more in-depth review of the state programs and expand in greater detail as to why these programs have been successful and how these models can be replicated in New York State.

A statewide Advisory Workgroup representing behavioral health associations, advocacy organizations, counties, providers, family members and youth met several times to share their collective knowledge, data, and experience regarding youth-in-transition. Participants identified five domains for further research and discussion including; Access and Linkages, Population, Services, Financing, and Housing. Thought leaders were assigned to further discuss these issues. The discussions and findings of the work of this Advisory Workgroup and their participants will be referenced throughout the review.

This report breaks down the five domains and crosswalks the recommendations by various stakeholder groups with a literature search of the existing programs across the nation that provide innovative models of care for this population, as well as, expert recommendations including the voice of youth and families.

All told, over 25 nationwide reports were reviewed. In the report, each of the five domains is broken down into several categories as identified by the thought leaders and other stakeholders. Each category has two sections, one section is titled State Practices and the other is Expert Recommendations.