Vision

Young adults in Vermont are empowered, healthy, valued, and engaged in their communities

Young adults, families/adult allies and community partners collaborate to develop a system of care to support transition to adulthood. The system builds upon the strengths of young adults and creates an array of specialized mental health and related services to meet their unique and changing needs. The system also fosters young adult leadership.

1. Decreased number of young adults involved in the corrections system.
2. Increased number of young adults who are employed.
3. Increased number of young adults participating in (or who completed) educational programs.
4. Increased number of young adults who have access to, and are using, a medical home.
5. Increased number of young adults living in safe & stable housing.
6. Increased number of young adults who have caring & supportive relationships.
7. Increase in young adults’ strengths.
8. Increase in young adults’ competence & decreases in mental health symptomatology and related problems.

1. Young adult leadership is developed in VT
2. Families/adult allies support young adults
3. Workers use caring practices known to be helpful for young adults and families
4. System of Care partners gain cultural and linguistic competence
5. Local communities (including young adults) change their perceptions of young adults and of mental health issues, reducing stigma
6. Effectiveness of the System of Care for young adults with SED is evaluated
7. The state supports and sustains regional services for young adults

Local and state agencies develop and/or enhance their regional systems of care for youth in transition via collaboration between:

• Representatives of adult and children's mental health
• Youth services
• Criminal and juvenile justice agencies
• Young adults and family leaders
• Cultural organizations
• Other community members