The transition-age youth special interest group: The establishment and activities of a U.S.-based network of child welfare researchers
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2026
Journal articles
Katz, C. C., Jackson, S., Dworsky, A., Okpych, N. J., Cheatham, L. P., Harty, J. S., Powers, J., Salazar, A. M., Shpiegel, S., Munson, M. R., Blakeslee, J. E., Geiger, J. M., Havlicek, J., Johnson, R. M., Taussig, H., & Courtney, M. The transition-age youth special interest group: The establishment and activities of a U.S.-based network of child welfare researchers. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 107(2), 435–449.
@article{katz2026, title = {The Transition-Age Youth Special Interest Group: {The} Establishment and Activities of a {U}.{S}.-Based Network of Child Welfare Researchers}, shorttitle = {The Transition-Age Youth Special Interest Group}, author = {Katz, Colleen C. and Jackson, Sebrena and Dworsky, Amy and Okpych, Nathanael J. and Cheatham, Leah P. and {Harty, Justin S.} and Powers, Jenna and Salazar, Amy M. and Shpiegel, Svetlana and Munson, Michelle R. and Blakeslee, Jennifer E. and Geiger, Jennifer M. and Havlicek, Judy and Johnson, Royel M. and Taussig, Heather and Courtney, Mark}, date = {2026}, journaltitle = {Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services}, shortjournal = {Fam. Soc. J. Contemp. Soc. Serv.}, volume = {107}, number = {2}, pages = {435--449}, issn = {1044-3894, 1945-1350}, doi = {10.1177/10443894251316394}, }
Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the history and current activities of a group of researchers focused on the experiences of young people who “age out” of foster care in the United States. These transition-age youth (TAY) often have intersecting marginalized identities, as youth of color, queer youth, and youth with disabilities are disproportionately represented in care. Members of the Transition-Age Youth Special Interest Group (TAY-SIG) conduct research in several key domains, many addressing the discrimination, trauma, and poverty experienced by the majority of TAY. We report on the cutting-edge research happening in these areas and highlight the gaps in the research that require urgent attention. Despite these gaps, we argue that research undertaken by TAY-SIG members has driven the field of TAY research forward in a variety of timely and important ways.