29-I Health Facility (Voluntary Foster Care Agency Transition)

Voluntary Foster Care Agencies (VFCAs) must be licensed for the provision of limited health-related services to contract and bill Medicaid Managed Care Plans and comply with Corporate Practice of Medicine standards. To be licensed as a VFCA Health Facility, the foster care agency must apply to the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and the NYS Department of Health and include limited health-related services to be provided, the location and physical description of the physical plant, and other required information.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a program designed to address the significant needs of children ages 10 up to 21, who are at risk of entering, or returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services, through the use of a multi-disciplinary team. Children with significant psychiatric needs, who are at risk of institutional level of care, require intensive interventions in order to adequately support the child and family’s complex needs, to avoid high end services or facilitate and support a successful transition back to community. Youth ACT serves as a critical component in the children’s continuum of care.

Bravehearts - Motivating Others through Voices of Experiences (M.O.V.E.) NY

The mission of the Bravehearts is to empower young adults touched by the child welfare system to become active and authentic leaders in their own lives as they transition into adulthood.

Located in Westchester County, Bravehearts M.O.V.E. New York is the chapter-lead for the state and an authentic youth-led non-profit. They work to improve services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems including mental health, juvenile justice, education and child welfare.

A Braveheart is any young adult, aged 14-26 who has overcome adversity, persevered through difficult times and come out as a stronger and wiser version of themselves.

Casey Life Sills (CLS) Assessment Tool

The Casey Life Skills (CLS) tool is a tool for youth to build their own personal checklist of skills and strengths. It shows them what they know already and what is possible for them to learn in the future. A case worker or mentor needs to help them create a free account.

College: You Can Do It! Tip Sheet

This tip sheet provides helpful information to help students with disabilities prepare for college.

The document covers three phases: 

• Preparing for college while in high school.
• Staying in college, which requires numerous self-management skills.
• Preparing to move beyond college and into a career.

Coming Home: Transitioning Back Into the Community - A Resources Directory

A New York City resource directory for court-involved youth leaving detention and returning to the community. The goal of this publication is to provide resources for young people in order to create working, engaged and responsible adults who can contribute to the community.

Dual Diagnosis - A Guide for Caregivers

This guidebook gives caregivers the tools they need to understand how mental illness might look in a person with a developmental disability, and information on what to do and where to go for help. It was written in order to help caregivers to partner with health care providers. This guidebook was originally written in 2011 and was revised in 2015. It was created for the New York State Institute for Health Transition Training with grant support from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

Early Childhood Transition Guidebook

This guidebook helps parents understand the process that guides their child's transition from infant and toddler intervention services to other early childhood services at age three and includes strategies to use for a successful transition.

Early Childhood Transition Process

This guide provides information to help families of children with special needs prepare for smooth and effective transitions. It includes general information on the rights and responsibilities of families as well as eligibility under IDEA and Settings for Preschool, School Registration Requirements, Program Options for 4-year-olds and Areas of Development.

Employment - A Guide for Transition Services

Most young people rely on caring adults to support them with guidance, housing and financial assistance, and ongoing emotional connections. Young people from foster care often miss out on these supports traditionally provided by families. They may also have added challenges due to earlier abuse, neglect, and separation. 

It’s My Life: Employment Guide offers specific strategies, tactics, and resources for youth and the adults who guide and support these youth to help them gain employment.