Challenges facing successful transition for youths with E/BD

In 1990, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act added a new mandate that the individualized education program for all students age 16 and older must include a statement of the transition services needed to prepare them for postschool activities. Providing transition services to youths with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) has been particularly difficult because their problems are often intractable and, consequently, result in poor outcomes such as dropping out of school, unemployment, incarceration, and psychopathology. This article describes challenges involved in ensuring successful transition for youths with E/BD and makes recommendations for improving transition services.