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Transitional Housing Placement Programs: A Bridge to Adulthood

Dan Thorne • Aug 05, 2022

The challenge currently is that not enough THPPs exist in the community.

According to the THRU project, 40% of foster youths will experience homelessness by the time they are 19.

Youths in foster care can be excited and scared when they turn 18. Although reaching their independence, they also age out of the system. According to the THRU project, 40% of foster youths will experience homelessness by the time they are 19, and 50% of the homeless population were foster youth at some point in their life. While residential programs such as STRTPs or QRTPs offer stabilization and resource parents offer home life atmospheres, they are limited in the real-world programs they can offer.


A transitional housing placement program (THPP) offers them a bridge from adolescence to adulthood.  In these placements, they receive stability, a safe and secure home, and a nurturing place. The youth improves their functioning, so they don’t need the constant supervision of staff in a residential facility or the parenting needs in a foster home. 


In the THPP, the young adult has certain requirements to follow. Based on state laws, they usually have to be in school part-time, working part-time, engaged in seeking work or school, or have a disability that precludes them from participating in these activities. During the time they are in the THPP, the adult is assigned to a social worker or case manager who meets them every week. The worker checks in on their living situation and ensures they are using their budgeted money wisely. The adult is also receiving life skills training on a variety of topics, from healthcare to money management.


The challenge currently is that not enough THPPs exist in the community. More emphasis in the states is on residential care and foster care (although foster homes can also house adults as part of extended foster care). Without more homes or apartment sites, the risk of homelessness for foster youth will continue.  


The THPP offers these opportunities. They have the same guidelines as foster care or residential care (Needs and Services Plans, access to mental health and medical care, a Child and Family Team). But unlike other placements, they have more freedom to learn new skills. Budgeting, schoolwork, career planning, workforce development, childcare, and parenting, furnishing a home are some of the skill sets they achieve. Unlike the previous placements which were treatment-based, THPPs become more case management-based. The youth learns their skills and how to make it on their own. 

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