Youth and Runaway Services TIL Program Assessment

The Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) funds programs designed to protect runaway and homeless youth and whenever possible, reunite them with their families. DYCD's Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Programs provide homeless youth (16-20 years of age) with support and shelter for up to 18 months, as they work to establish an independent life. The goal of the Capstone project was to examine youth who utilize TIL programs and evaluate circumstances after they are discharged from the programs. The team also provided recommendations for how DYCD can better tailor its discharge planning process in conjunction with the TIL sites to meet the needs of runaway and homeless youth. The Capstone team reviewed client files for youth discharged during Fiscal Year 2008 and interviewed TIL providers regarding their discharge policies and services utilized by clients. An in-depth assessment of this information, together with recommendations, will contribute to a better understanding of the outcomes for youth who participate in TIL programs, help DYCD to make informed policy decisions, and direct limited resources more effectively.