Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Training Modules

The TIP Training Series is intended to provide a knowledge base of the TIP system to personnel who work with youth and young adults (14 - 29 years old) with emotional and/or behavioral difficulties (EBD). The TIP system is an evidence-supported model with six research studies that have demonstrated improved real-life outcomes for transition-age young people with EBD.

The training modules make frequent reference to the term Transition Facilitator and to the roles he or she plays in assisting transition-age young people. Transition facilitators are the primary audience for the training, however, anyone who works with youth and young adults in transition (e.g., teachers, mental health specialists, employment specialists, transition specialists, guidance counselors, vocational rehabilitation counselors, juvenile justice personnel, supervisors, parents, foster parents, and guardians) may find the training useful for learning and implementing effective transition services.

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Tier I Training: Overview of the Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model

We strongly suggest that you read Chapter 2 of the Transition Handbook (Clark & Unruh, 2009) to provide you with a context for the practices presented this training. Chapter 2, Navigating the Obstacle Course: An Evidence-Supported Community Transition System (Clark & Hart), contains the fully updated TIP System Development and Operations Manual which describes the entire Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model and illustrates the guidelines and practices that enable Transition Facilitators to work effectively with the youth and young adults and their families.

The Transition Handbook: Clark, H. B., & Unruh, D. K. (2009). Transition of youth and young adult with emotional or behavioral difficulties: An evidence-supported handbook. Baltimore: Brookes Publishing.

Order the Transition Handbook by H.B. Clark and D.K. Unruh (2009) from the Brookes Publishing Company website: www.brookespublishing.com/clark

Tier II Training: Personnel Training Modules

Tier II training modules provide opportunities for personnel who work with youth and young adults in transition to learn about each of the TIP core practices. Each of the Personnel Training Modules describes a practice and presents suggestions and scenarios for putting the practice into action. Most of the modules also contain tools such as forms and worksheets for practicing and applying the core practice.

For your convenience, Tier II modules are portable. You may review them online or print and work from the paper version. Each module builds on core competencies learned in previous modules. Click on the title of each module to obtain the training. When you complete a module, click the “Take Exam” button to take an exam. Once you have met the level of knowledge proficiency, you can receive a "Certificate of Completion."

Take Training	Take Exam and Get Certificate
Module 1: Strength Discovery and Needs Assessment	§
Module 2: Futures Planning	§
Module 3: Rationales	§
Module 4: In-vivo Teaching	§
Module 5: Social Problem Solving (SODAS)	§
Module 6: Prevention Planning for High Risk Behaviors	No exam or certificate available
Module 7: Mediation with Young People and Key Players (SCORA)	§
§ The Exam* feature is under development and will be available in late 2009.*

The TIP principles and associated practices are only fully effective when used in an integrated way in working with youth and young adults with EBD. Thus, the reason for Tier III Training.

Tier III Training: Competency-Based Training

The National Network on Youth Transition (NNYT) for Behavioral Health provides flexible, on-site, competency-based training and support for implementing the TIP model with agencies and community collaboratives. NNYT TIP Consultants use our Behavior Rehearsal Manuals for the on-site training and coaching of transition facilitators and their supervisory personnel to ensure proficiency in the application of the TIP principles and core competency practices. The focus of the Tier III training is for implementing the evidence-supported TIP model to ensure that teh community transition system is improving the real-life outcomes for youth and young adults and for families.