Page Last updated 02-12-2008
In strategy, policy and service provision terms, transition is used to describe the period of time for an individual, usually between 13 to 25 years old, when young people move from being teenagers to becoming adults.
Often, in political terms, a successful transition means that a young person is classed as EET (in education, training or employment), as there are positive frameworks for young people to develop into adulthood. In the terms of the 'Every Child Matter' agenda, a successful transition would be one where young people are healthy. Safe, able to enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing.
According to Growing Up Matters (CSCI 2007) for young people to achieve a successful transition, there are six key requisites, including commitment, involvement, effective strategic planning and commissioning, a multi-agency approach, a co-ordinated person-centred planning process and monitoring.
Research by the RCPCH Bridging the Gaps: Health care for Adolescents (2003) indicated young people face various barriers when accessing healthcare. With reference to transition they highlight that young people are often 'too old' for children's wards, 'too young' for adult wards and can even end up on completely inappropriate wards (such as geriatrics) because no one knows 'where to put them'.
Newcastle City Council set up a Transitions Board to look at the issues surrounding transition. While most young people progress into adulthood with the support of their parents, families, school and Connexions services there are vulnerable groups of young people who need further assistance as they find it difficult to access universal services. This needs assessment will focus on the following groups.
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