Transition to Adult Services

There are many options and choices to consider as youth enter their final years of high school and begin preparing for adulthood. School services will eventually end, and transitions to new living, educational, and work environments will develop. Your Service Coordinator can provide information about available local resources and services and help answer questions about potential benefits or responsibilities. Because the many options can sometimes feel confusing, TCRC Service Coordinators are trained to help guide decisions that support the life envisioned by the person served. Use the information here to learn what may be available, then speak with your Service Coordinator to begin planning.

Beginning Transition Planning (Age 14–18)

Planning for adulthood often begins informally several years before a person turns 18. At age 14, the process becomes more structured. By age 16, a young person’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will begin addressing employment skills, independent living skills, and educational goals that support the transition to adult life. Public educational services may continue through age 22 for students who have not received a diploma. This is also a good time to review the informational brochure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (www.scdd.ca.gov), which explains the Employment First policy, options for competitive integrated employment, and postsecondary education opportunities. Public education remains the primary source of services during this time, and the IEP team helps identify skills the student may still need before leaving the school system.

Becoming an Adult (Age 18–22)

At age 18, young adults take on new responsibilities and may become eligible for additional benefits. Important topics to consider include public benefits, health care decisions, voter registration, living choices, education or employment planning, and legal matters. As adults, individuals are able to choose who will help them make decisions unless a court determines they are not capable of doing so. Adults may also authorize another person to act as an educational surrogate if needed. Young adults will also begin making their own health care decisions, so understanding personal health needs becomes more important. It may be helpful to keep a list of doctors and their contact information and carry a Medi-Cal or private insurance card in case of emergency. Additional information about managing health care decisions can be found on the TCRC website.

Individual Transition Goals and Services

When a student with an IEP turns 16, the IEP team begins developing individual transition goals as part of the school program. These goals describe the educational and functional steps needed to prepare for adult living. The student’s Service Coordinator is available to participate in IEP meetings and help coordinate goals and services. The team may identify adaptive or independent living skills that need further development, such as personal care, housekeeping, budgeting, cooking, safety awareness, and emergency planning. Educational services may continue until the student turns 22.

Generic Services and Benefits

Generic services are publicly funded programs available to community members who meet eligibility requirements. At age 18, individuals may apply for these programs on their own behalf. Many adults served by TCRC qualify for programs such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), which may include assistance with meal preparation, laundry, shopping, personal care, and transportation to medical appointments. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides cash benefits for individuals with limited income, and those who qualify automatically receive Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Dental. Medi-Cal and Medi-Cal Dental offer health and dental coverage for individuals who meet eligibility criteria.

Educational and Employment Resources

Some young adults choose to continue their education after high school. Public colleges typically offer disability support programs that provide accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The Department of Rehabilitation offers services for individuals who wish to pursue employment, and regional center–funded programs may also be available after a student completes public education. Adults who want to work may be eligible for Supported Employment services, which may include job development, job coaching, transportation, specialized training, and supervision. 

Transportation

A Transportation Access Plan (TAP) is developed by the IPP planning team to describe how individuals will use public or specialized transportation to access services such as day programs or employment. TCRC may fund transportation when other community resources are not available.

Day Programs

Day programs are community-based services designed to provide meaningful activities and training in a structured setting. The planning team identifies the most appropriate program and includes it in the Individual Program Plan (IPP). Programs may operate at a facility or in community locations. Because some programs have waiting lists, planning in advance is important. Day programs may support the development of self-help and personal care skills, communication and social interaction skills, self-advocacy and employment skills, community integration skills such as accessing local resources, behavior support strategies, and social or recreational skills.

Individual Choice Day Services

TCRC supports person-centered alternatives to traditional day programs. These services focus on developing natural supports within the community and identifying flexible, low-cost resources that help individuals achieve the goals outlined in their Individual Program Plan.

Living Options

Some adults choose to continue living with their families, while others may wish to live independently or in a licensed residential setting. Individuals who want to live in their own apartment may apply for subsidized housing, though waiting lists can be long, so applying early is recommended. Supported Living Services (SLS) and Independent Living Services (ILS) may help individuals live more independently. Licensed residential homes and Family Home Agency placements provide community-based living environments for adults and children. The goal of residential services is to support the highest level of independence possible while ensuring a safe place to live. Service Coordinators can help arrange visits to explore these options. 

Coordinated Family Supports

Coordinated Family Supports (CFS) is available for adults age 18 and older who live with their families. The program helps coordinate services, connect individuals with community resources, and build skills that support greater independence while living at home.