Youth In Transition

Youth transitioning into adulthood

Elevate Youth Services provides the statewide administration of this program of the Vermont Department of Mental Health.

Each local Youth In Transition site (YIT) provides services and opportunities to ensure that youth develop the skills, knowledge, confidence, means, and ability to make positive decisions for themselves and for their community.

 

FOR YOUTH AGES 16 to their 22nd birthday

We work with young people, families, and community partners to cultivate a supportive and responsive system of care that meets the needs of youth in order to successfully transition them into adulthood. 

To learn more about the Youth In Transition Program, contact Katherine O’Day at koday@elevateyouthvt.org.

The Youth in Transition (YIT) program is a supportive system of care designed to empower young adults (ages 16–21) to thrive as they move toward adulthood. Our mission is to work alongside youth, families, and community partners to build a responsive, nurturing network that supports transition and resilience.

We embrace values rooted in lived experience, adaptability, empowerment, community, and advocacy—as well as fostering self-belief and cultivating meaningful change.

YIT Services & Supports:

  • Personalized Goal Setting & Navigation
    Youth are supported to define and pursue personal goals, map out actionable steps, and remove obstacles on their journey to adulthood—anchored in a deeply responsive, youth-driven approach.

  • Care Navigation
    Through strong coordination with diverse systems, we help youth access mental and physical health care, education, vocational training, health insurance, and other essential services.

  • Holistic Support Services include:

    • Referrals for mental health and substance use counseling

    • Educational planning and linkage—ranging from high school completion/GED preparation to college preparedness

    • Vocational guidance and job readiness

    • Assistance in rebuilding or expanding natural support networks, exploring kinship connections, and fostering healthy relationships

    • Help securing safe, stable housing

These service areas are woven into a broader System of Care Collaboration, where YIT partners with state agencies, community mental health centers, and local providers to ensure comprehensive, accessible support for all youth, especially those at risk of being “unclaimed” by existing systems.