Implementation Determinants of Transition Planning in Residential Out-of-Home Care for Young People with Disability and from Multicultural and Multifaith Backgrounds

Abstract Transition planning is mandated to support young people (YP) in residential out-of-home care (OoHC) to prepare them for independent living by age 18. Yet, it often falls short of meeting YP’s developmental and material needs, particularly for overrepresented cohorts with additional and intersecting needs. Two such cohorts are those living with disability and those from multicultural and multifaith (MCMF) backgrounds. The overall aim of this study was to generate knowledge to support the successful implementation of transition planning for these two cohorts of YP. The specific aims were to identify (a) barriers and enablers that prevent or facilitate successful implementation; and (b) strategies that improve the design and delivery of transition planning. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with staff ( n = 60) involved in supporting YP leaving residential OoHC in Victoria. Data were analysed using abductive approaches guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We identified barriers and enablers across all CFIR domains: Outer Setting (6 factors, e.g., legislation), Inner Setting (4 factors, e.g., access to knowledge), Characteristics of Individuals (3 factors, e.g., capability), Innovation (5 factors, e.g., complexity), and Implementation Process (2 factors, e.g., engaging YP). Recommended strategies to improve the design and delivery of transition planning for YP with disability and from MCMF backgrounds included practice adaptations, legislative reform, cross-government agreements, and workforce capability building.