Transition Services

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Overview

"Transition is a process, not an event. The actual process should be gradual, occurring in harmony with adolescent and family development. While there is not one current model, whenever it occurs, communication among pediatric and adult providers, parents and youth is critical."
--From the National Center for Youth with Disabilities

Children, young adults, and their families experience many transitions, large and small, over the years. Predictable transitions occur when children reach school age, when they approach adolescence, and when they move from adolescence into adulthood. Other transitions may include adding new expectations and responsibilities, moving into new programs, working with new agencies and care providers, and making new friends. This also can mean letting go of previous programs, agencies, and care providers.

Transition for children and youth with special health care needs is a continuum of changes. Each transition is an opportunity to help the child, young adult, and family gain the skills to optimize success and manage future transitions. As young adults reach adulthood, they need information to help make their transitions smooth and effective.

We have attached three brochures: one for youth and young adults, one for parents and providers of youth and young adults, and one for parents and providers of young children. Additional resources and ideas are available at links from this website. We can be contacted directly with additional questions.

• Transition to adulthood for youth and young adults with special health care needs: view format or tri-fold brochure in printable format
• Transition information for parents and medical providers of youth and young adults with special health care needs: view format or tri-fold brochure in printable format
• Transition information for parents and medical providers of young children and youth with special health care needs: view format or tri-fold brochure in printable format

The two websites listed here are also excellent sources of transition information.

• Becoming Leaders for Tomorrow (BLT) Project
  The BLT Project provides resources and supports that promote independent living; transition skills; and healthy lifestyles and relationships of youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.
• Medical Home Portal
  This website offers comprehensive information, tools, and resources for transitions that affect children and young adults with special health care needs. This website is primarily for providers but it also has great information for families.

For more information contact:

Lynn Pease
CSHCN Transition Specialist
(801) 584-8518
lynnpease@utah.gov

Walt Torres (en Español)
CSHCN Transition Specialist for Spanish-speaking families; SSI questions
(801) 584-8516
wtorres@utah.gov

Susan Dickinson
CSHCN Care Coordinator for school-aged children and youth (ABLE Program)
(801) 584-8550
sdickins@utah.gov

Thank you to the BLT Project for reviewing and improving these pages.

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