Meaningful Work: Improving Employment Outcomes for Transition-Age Youth With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Abstract

Meaningful employment can have a significant impact on the lives of young adults with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Unfortunately, too few adolescents with EBD experience successful employment outcomes upon leaving high school. In this article, the authors review components of secondary educational programming that may contribute to improved employment outcomes for adolescents with EBD. Specifically, the authors present 4 skill areas (i.e., social, vocational, academic, and self-determination) and 4 support areas (i.e., community linkages, workplace supports, family involvement, and student involvement) that should receive attention when preparing adolescents for the world of work. Recommended strategies for implementing each component are presented.

Keywords:

• emotional and behavioral disorders
• employment outcomes
• self-determination
• supports
• transition services