Transition to Adulthood Work Group

For youth with disabilities or chronic illness, turning 22 has been compared to "falling off a cliff," as services they have depended on are no longer open to them.

The Transition to Adulthood Work Group (formerly the Transition Task Force) was formed to address the goal that young people with special health care needs "receive the services necessary to make transitions to all aspects of adult life, including adult health care, work and independence."

The Work Group prepared a background brief summarizing recent efforts in Massachusetts and its recommendations for further action.

Work Group members included representatives from:

• Boston University School of Public Health
• Boston University School of Social Work
• Children’s Hospital Boston
• Family TIES of Massachusetts (Together in Enhancing Support)
• Federation for Children with Special Needs
• Greater Boston ARC
• Institute for Community Inclusion
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• National Center on Workforce & Disability
• Partners for Youth with Disabilities
• New England SERVE

Co-Chairs:

Linda C. Freeman, MS
New England SERVE


Stephanie Porter, RN, MSN
Institute for Community Inclusion
Children's Hospital Boston

Reports:

Transition Issues for Youth with Special Health Care Needs in Massachusetts
This background brief outlines the critical issues facing youth with special health care needs, addresses the effectiveness of existing services and includes a sampling of transition-related resources in MA. A summary of findings and recommendations is included.
October 2004

Additional Resources:

For articles, educational materials, and links to further information about transitioning to adulthood, please visit our Resource Center.

Other Work Groups:

Care Coordination

Family Participation

Medical Coverage Decision-Making

Medical Home