Time Commitment
To build the NYTD, states must survey all foster care youth within 45 days of their 17th birthday. These same individuals must be surveyed again at ages 19 and 21.
The National Youth Transition Database (NYTD) is an unprecedented opportunity for states to learn how to improve outcomes for youth exiting foster care. This document — a pep-talk packaged in a publication — shares lessons learned from implementing a similar tool called the Opportunity Passport Participant Survey. Readers will hit the report’s final page armed with a confidence boost and clear advice on how to build their state NYTD to comply with federal requirements. This publication is a product of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.
The long-awaited National Youth in Transition Database — NYTD for short — requires states to track: 1) characteristics of young people in foster care who are receiving independent living services; 2) exactly what services these youth are receiving; and 3) how they fare when transitioning from care.