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Home > Communities of Practice > Transition-Aged Youth > FAQs

Who are transition-aged youth?

There is no exact definition for “transitioned-aged youth.” General definitions vary in research literature and in practice by age, disability, and service system (e.g., foster care, mental health, juvenile justice). In terms of human development, the field recognizes that the transition from adolescence to young adulthood spans the ages of 14–25. Historically, the age of 18 has served as a divider between childhood and adulthood. This has traditionally been the time youth are expected to begin their natural developmental journey through identity development and begin asserting their own independence. However, more recently, the age at which individuals are prepared for independence from their parents’ support has been extended by some until age 30 due to changing societal and economic realities such as college graduation, changing employment patterns, and rising costs of living.

The content of this Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The programs/models featured on this site have not been evaluated by the TA Partnership. The site is meant to serve as a tool and to provide examples of work being done in the field. This Web site was created and is maintained by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) through funding from the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, contract no. 280-03-4200. For more information, send an e-mail to TAPartnership@air.org.