The goal of this study was to investigate the experiences of adolescents with disabilities who have lived in group homes, and their expectations for their future. For that purpose, a qualitative design utilizing a phenomenological approach was used in this study. A purposeful sample of eight participants was interviewed using open-ended questions. Adolescents, ages 15 through 17, who have lived in a group home for at least two months in the past year and had a disability, were interviewed individually. The participants' disabilities included Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD)/Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Conduct Disorder, and Depression. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed based on the common sub-themes and overarching themes that emerged from the data. The two overarching themes in this study were Interpersonal Relationships and Preparing for Adulthood. Six sub-themes emerged from participants' responses, which were collapsed to form the theme Interpersonal Relationships. Under this major theme, participants focused on their feelings and experiences after removal from their biological homes; their relationships with their biological families, peers, caregivers and school teachers; as well as their perceptions about their group homes and their interactions with community members. The three sub-themes that were the basis for the major theme Preparing for Adulthood emerged based on youths' thoughts regarding their future ambitions and career aspirations, preparation for their future, and needs and desires for support to transition into adulthood. Based on the sub-themes and themes that emerged in this study, the essence of the phenomenological experience of youth with disabilities living in group homes could be summarized as follows: Adolescents living in group homes experienced major stressful life events, including living with a disability, but seemed to show remarkable resiliency and positive aspirations for their future, in spite of their challenging lives. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]