When children become adults it is normal for them to make decisions for themselves and to lead a more independent life. Children’s health and care needs also change as they grow up. Transition to adult services (Transition) is the name given to the process of moving on from children’s to adult services.
Transition is an important journey. It is essential that professionals work in partnership with young people and their families to ensure that they get the support they need every step of the way. The young person and their family should understand what is happening, feel confident and in control.
Some young people will have long term conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy) and transition will be mainly concerned with moving on to Adult Health Services. Other young people may have learning disabilities or social care needs. Their transition will be more concerned with moving on to adult social or learning disability services. A small number of young people with complex long term conditions will have support from health, social care and special education. When this happens it is important that these services work together to co-ordinate the different transitions.
When children become adults it is normal for them to make decisions for themselves and to lead a more independent life. Children’s health and care needs also change as they grow up. Transition to adult services (Transition) is the name given to the process of moving on from children’s to adult services.
Transition is an important journey. It is essential that professionals work in partnership with young people and their families to ensure that they get the support they need every step of the way. The young person and their family should understand what is happening, feel confident and in control.
Some young people will have long term conditions (e.g. diabetes, epilepsy) and transition will be mainly concerned with moving on to Adult Health Services. Other young people may have learning disabilities or social care needs. Their transition will be more concerned with moving on to adult social or learning disability services. A small number of young people with complex long term conditions will have support from health, social care and special education. When this happens it is important that these services work together to co-ordinate the different transitions.
Transition is important to ensure that services are appropriate for a young person's needs. For example, if we didn’t have Transition to Adult Services adults would be nursed on the same wards as babies and children. Services that are needed for babies and children would not be available because adults were using them.
Transition is a gradual process. Young people and their families often need guidance and encouragement but shouldn’t feel rushed or unsupported.
Transition support (sometimes called transition preparation) is the name given to the help and advice provided by professionals working in partnership with young people and their families during the transition process.
The 10 Steps Transition Pathway is a simple generic pathway that describes the important steps for a young person, their parents, and professionals, as the young person moves from children’s to adult services. There are lots of resources for young people, their parents and professionals to help make transition to adult services smooth, supported and empowered.