This newsletter theme issue describes a state-local team partnership model for interagency transition efforts for young adults with deaf-blindness. Excepts from a presentation by Jane M. Everson identify key aspects and characteristics of effective state and local interagency partnerships. These include: (1) strategies for initiating and organizing teams; (2) the importance of confirming team membership; (3) strategies for conducting local needs assessments; (4) usefulness of value and mission statements; (5) the importance of developing team structures and operational procedures; (6) strategies for fostering team effectiveness; (7) outcomes attained by focusing on individuals; (8) strategies for maintaining a team's direction and focus; (9) strategies for developing and implementing action plans; and (10) the importance of monitoring and evaluating a team's effectiveness. Characteristics of an effective group are listed. The task behaviors that are necessary to help accomplish action steps and the maintenance behaviors to ensure health team cohesiveness are also identified. A strategy is described for assessing and building the commitment level of team members, and information is provided on how to set goals and objectives and evaluate outcomes of a team. (CR)