Glossary: T

Termination of Parental Rights

The discontinuance of biological parents’ rights that, when court-approved, enables a youth to be adopted. A parent whose rights have been terminated surrenders the right to access any information regarding the child, the right to make decisions about the youth's education or medical treatment, and the right to visit the youth.

Transcript

The written record of a court hearing.

Transfer

The process by which a juvenile court judge or prosecutor shifts the jurisdiction over a youth charged with a delinquent offense to adult criminal court. See also “Waiver of Jurisdiction."

Transition/Discharge Plan

A plan created with a youth prior to discharge from care when a youth is age 18 or older and should build on the transition to adulthood plan. Under federal law, the plan must be created at least 90 days before discharge and must be directed by the youth. At minimum, a transition plan must include specific options on housing, health insurance, education, local opportunities for mentors and continuing support services, and work force supports and employment services. In Pennsylvania, the court must approve the transition plan before a youth can be discharged from care.

Transition to Adulthood Plan

This is the plan that is developed as soon as you reach age 14 and describes the services and supports you will receive to help build the skills you need as you reach adulthood.  The plan should include your goals, the services and supports you need to meet those goals, and track your progress.  Your transition to adulthood plan is usually included as a part of your case plan.  

Transition to Adulthood Services

Services that help youth with experience in the foster care system including services related to education, employment, housing, budgeting and building a support network to assist youth as they transition to adulthood.  Formerly called “Independent Living Services.”  Youth should begin receiving these services at age 14. 

Transitional Living Placements

This is a type of child welfare placement for young people who are between the ages of 16 and 21 and provides young people age-appropriate freedom and responsibility while still providing them support. 

Trauma

Experiencing or witnessing events involving actual or threatened injury or death and the resulting symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Traumatic events affecting youth in the juvenile justice system may include neglect, physical and sexual abuse, observing community or domestic violence, or the death of friends or relatives. Symptoms may include emotional numbing, nightmares, sleep disturbances, academic decline, aggressive and antisocial behaviors, or suicidal thoughts.

Truancy

Habitual absence from school. Because the law requires youth to attend school up to a certain age, skipping school or repeated absences violate the law. Truancy is a status offense because it only applies to minors.