Supporting Emerging Adults in a Specialty Collaborative Court

• In Event: New Directions in Research and Practice at the Intersection of Youth/Emerging Adults and the Legal System

Abstract

Emerging adults (ages 18-25) also known as Transitional Age Youth (TAY) are at a unique point in their lives. What was once viewed as a straightforward path to adulthood has become a more complicated and sometimes prolonged journey filled with uncertainty. Judge Bruce Chan and Clinical Director Celina Hennessey, LMFT will discuss why specialized programing for this population is warranted and consider ways to address the unique vulnerabilities, needs and strengths of emerging adults. They will share an overview of San Francisco’s Young Adult Court and discuss their interdisciplinary approach, use of motivational interviewing principles, and the importance of having a strong social work foundation for effective interventions. They will also share about the opportunities and challenges of working with TAY and how specialized programming can create structure with empowerment.

Authors

• Bruce Chan, San Francisco Superior Court

• Celina Hennessey, Felton Institute