The Transition-Age Youth Special Interest Group: The Establishment and Activities of a U.S.-Based Network of Child Welfare Researchers

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.