We see a continuing need for creative ideas and leadership in the areas of child welfare, education, and juvenile justice.

For this reason, through our fellowship program, we look for cross-disciplinary approaches to the problems faced by vulnerable children and youth.

In considering proposals from prospective fellows, Stoneleigh Center is currently interested in targeting youth in these systems between the ages of 10 and 21.

This age group spans three critical transition points that add an additional layer of vulnerability to adolescent development, especially for troubled youth.

• The transition from elementary school to middle school, when youth experience rapid physical and intellectual growth and begin their search for identity;
• From middle to high school, when youth become less involved with their parents and more involved with peers, begin dating, and exploring sexuality; and
• From high school to adulthood, when youth must make decisions about further education, careers and building adult relationships, all often made more difficult because of earlier life experiences.