Transition Programs

Transition Programs for Young Adults

Turning 18 is an important milestone toward adulthood. But for patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children® it also marks the age at which they are no longer eligible for care. Our approach is to start making this transition as early as possible by doing simple things to empower children – teaching them self-care, connecting them with community resources, and providing medical care that maximizes their functional ability right from the start.

As your child nears his or her 18th birthday we also begin a more structured Transition Program to help your child continue receiving the right medical care, while also learning about important life skills they will need on the road to independent adulthood.

The journey starts with a Transitions Specialist who will work with your care coordinator and the patient care team to accurately identify and document the specific needs of your child, and provide resources to meet those needs. A transition plan will be based on your child’s developmental abilities and medical condition and needs.

As part of the transition planning process, the Transitions Specialist will talk with your child about things like:

Health

  • Connecting with local support agencies
  • Finding a primary care provider to support adult healthcare needs
  • Finding a specialty care provider upon discharge from Shriners Hospitals for Children®

Legal Rights

  • Advance directives
  • Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Guardianship/Advocacy information
  • Wills and trusts

Independent Living

  • Accessible, affordable housing
  • Independent living support
  • Supervised living programs

Psychosocial Issues

  • Family/support networks and support groups
  • Risk-taking behavior (i.e., drug use, alcohol use, smoking, unprotected sex)
  • Sexuality and relationships
  • Counseling

Employment

  • Career planning/job training
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) options
  • Services provided through vocational rehabilitation

Education

  • Accommodations at school/college for students with disabilities (IEP/504/ADA)
  • Post-secondary education
  • Transition planning in high school

Transportation

  • Adaptive driving equipment
  • Public transportation

Community Resources

  • Assistance programs (i.e., food stamps, transportation, housing)
  • Assistive technology
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Health insurance/Medicaid
  • Mental health services
  • Respite care
  • Sports/recreation and adaptive programs
  • Support groups

You can speak to your care coordinator about arranging a meeting with a Transition Specialist or you may be contacted by a Transition Specialist during the course of your child’s care at Shriners Hospitals for Children®. Ultimately our goal is to help the family and child attain a sense of independence, not just in terms of medical care but also in quality of life.