Development of the Successful Transitions Assessment Tool (STAT) for Crossover Youth (COY): Youth voice and expert feedback with a Delphi approach

Crossover youth, who are involved with child welfare, the justice system or both, face many challenges moving into adulthood, yet no validated, youth-informed and culturally sensitive tool existed to assess their transitions. This study developed the Successful Transitions Assessment Tool, which covers eight key domains identified in the research and is grounded in Critical Race Theory. It was refined through a Delphi process with field experts and feedback from youth with lived experience. Experts rated the tool highly, and their and the youths’ suggestions were incorporated into a brief but comprehensive assessment.