These webpages identify external resources on specific topics of interest to foster, kinship and adoptive families.
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition has a matrix of effective transition planning practices and predictors. Parents and caregivers, as well as educators, can learn about what works well for transitioning students with special needs.
A Transition Guide to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Students and Youth with Disabilities from the U.S. Department of Education covers transition planning, transition services, and post-high school education and employment options.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Employment of Transition-Age Youth with Disabilities conducts six studies to generate evidence-based interventions to assist youth to enter competitive integrated employment: 1) a systematic review of the literature to assess and organize the relevant research to inform their work 2) a pilot study of an intervention on effective knowledge translation methods for counselors working with students with significant disabilities ages 14-16 3) a randomized control trial to study the effects of paid internships for at-risk youth with disabilities prior to graduation 4) a randomized control trial to examine the effects of technology for college students with traumatic brain injury and develop an intervention 5) a randomized control trial on the effects of paid work in high school for youth with severe disabilities and 6) an intervention on the effects of an online course and subsequent technical assistance for postsecondary staff providing employment supports for college students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities.
The website offers resources including trainings on issues related to transition-age youth.
Person-Centered Planning is a Virginia resource to promote person-centered planning, training and other aspects of person-centeredness including self-direction. The Center for Person Centered Practices promotes ways for people to create and maintain positive change in their lives, organizations, and communities through the use of person centered skills and actions.
Virginia Department of Education’s Transfer of Rights for Students with Disabilities Upon Reaching Age of Majority in Virginia, which includes information on educational power of attorney.
APPENDIX C is a Sample Specific Power Of Attorney For Educational Decisions Made Under The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.