Transitioning From Youth to Adulthood: Mapping the Impact of Systems & Places on Youth Pathways

Authors

Danielle Layton, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler Institute
Erica King MSW, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler InstituteFollow
Jillian Foley MPPM, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler InstituteFollow
Sophia McMullan, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler Institute
Mara Sanchez MPPM, University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Cutler InstituteFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2-2021

Keywords

Maine Youth, Arts-Based Methods, Journey Maps, Public Systems, Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare

Abstract

This report seeks to lift up the voices of Maine’s youth and place their lived experiences with homelessness, educational pushout, child-welfare and juvenile justice system involvement, and interactions with the healthcare system at the center of public discourse and decision making. This study collected life stories from 35 youth (age 14-24) using arts-based narrative inquiry methods to map their journeys from childhood to adulthood. The report offers a deeper look at the firsthand experiences of Maine’s systems-involved youth and recommends creating more opportunities for young people to be involved with decisions made by the organizations and systems that serve them, as well as investments in the continuum of care, and programs and policies that promote belonging and equity.

Funding Organization

The Rocking Mood Foundation; The Annie E. Casey Foundation

Recommended Citation

Layton, D., King, E., Foley, J., McMullan, S., & Sanchez, M. (2021). Transitioning From Youth to Adulthood: Mapping the Impact of Systems & Places on Youth Pathways. Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Cutler Institute for Health and Social Policy.