At First Place for Youth, we know that the journey to adulthood can feel overwhelming for young people leaving foster care. The Youth Transitions Partnership (YTP) was created to provide the individualized support and practical skills they need to take those first steps toward independence. Operated by Alameda County and housed at First Place, the program combines two powerful approaches: personalized coaching and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups. Together, they create a strong foundation for youth to set goals, gain confidence, and navigate daily challenges.

Every young person in YTP is paired with a dedicated coach who helps them identify their life goals and build an action plan to achieve them. These one-on-one sessions are more than checklists or to-dos—they’re safe, confidential spaces where youth can talk openly, share what they’re going through, and decide what support they need most in that moment. YTP coaches also connect youth to essential resources like housing, food support, or help navigating complex paperwork. As YTP Coach, Ximena, explains, “Really, what does a young person need in that moment? Do they need to sit down and just vent and be heard and validated, or do we need to go and handle some business and get stuff done?”

Alongside individual coaching, participants join weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, skills groups. DBT is a proven approach that teaches life skills such as managing stress, regulating emotions, communicating effectively, and strengthening relationships. The groups are designed to feel welcoming and collaborative rather than clinical, giving youth the opportunity to talk about how the skills apply to their own lives and practice using them in real-world situations. One YTP participant shared, “Even when I think I’m not using a DBT skill, later in the day I’ll reflect on the moment and realize I did—it was pretty cool.” By combining practical tools with emotional guidance, the YTP program equips youth to handle both immediate challenges and long-term goals.

For many participants, the benefits show up in big and small ways—whether that’s successfully completing an important appointment, enrolling in community college, or simply realizing they’ve gained a new tool to help manage life’s stress. Each step forward represents progress toward building the stability, resilience, and confidence that will carry them into adulthood.

Learn more from YTP coaches Brandon and Ximena about how one-on-one support and DBT skills groups are making a difference for youth every day in the video below:

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