into adulthood, from the perspectives of youth themselves, as well as foster parents and professionals. Data was gathered from 10 focus groups comprised of a total of 88 participants, including youth currently in foster care (n = 19), foster care alumni (n = 8), foster parents (n = 21), child welfare professionals (n = 20), education professionals (n = 9), Independent Living Program staff (n = 9) and other key professionals (n = 2). The majority of youth (13+5) reported that they received special education services and/or identified themselves as having a disability.	experience; (f) the Independent Living Program and (g) issues related to disability. Participants made it clear that youth who experience a disability face additional barriers in their transition from foster care to independent life. May not be able to access services available to other foster youth, like the ILP. Lack of foster parent training, which can increase family stress and rates of placement disruption. Disruption in foster placement frequently results in a move to a new school and creates yet another challenge. Participants emphasized that a change in educational setting may have a greater impact on youth with disabilities, as their special education needs may be unknown and go unserved in the new school placement. parents and professionals. worried about who would help foster youth with disabilities access services as adults.
Geenen, S., Powers, L.E., Hogansen, J.M. & Pittman, J. (2007) Youth With Disabilities in Foster Care: Developing Self-Determination Within a Context of Struggle and Disempowerment. Exceptionality, 15(1), 17-30.	USA: We describe 4 recent studies by our research group that involve this vulnerable population and stress key elements of self-determination that seem to be lacking in the context in which these youth function.	This article focuses on the transition outcomes for youth with disabilities, noting the importance of effective transition planning practice of promoting self- determination. The challenged children in foster care typically face as they move into adulthood are highlighted, drawing attention to the need to promote self- determination for foster youth with disabilities.
Geenen, S., Powers, J., Powers, L. E., & Sells, W. (2003). Understanding the Role of Health Care Providers During the Transition of Adolescents With Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs. Journal of Adolescent Health, 32(3), 225-233.	USA: To evaluate the role of health care providers in the transition from pediatric to adult health care for adolescents with disabilities and special health care needs (SHCN) from both the families’ and providers’ perspectives. A total of 753 parents of adolescents with SHCN (e.g. developmental, physical, behavioral/emotional, learning, or health-related disabilities) were	There were significant differences between providers and parents concerning both the level of provider involvement and the extent to which it was the provider’s responsibility to assist in various transition activities (e.g., health providers reported significantly more involvement than did parents for 11 of the 13 transition activities and, compared with parents, providers reported that it was more within their role to assist in these 11 transition activities). The findings suggest a need for health care providers and parents to have open discussions about the nature and