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Transition for Parents and Caregivers

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“Whenever we talk to the doctor, all three of us should be sitting there together making decisions, not me making all the decisions.” -- Parent

What is health care transition?

Health care transition is a planned process to help teens become more independent and move from pediatric to adult health care. Starting early in planning for transition is helpful. Age 14 (or before) is a great time to start discussing with your teen's health care provider their readiness for transition to prepare them for adult care (see transition timeline). Most adolescents switch to an adult health care provider between their 16th and 21st birthdays.

Part of the transition process is your child taking increased responsibility for his or her own care, but your child still needs support from you as they enter this process. Talk with your child's doctor about the ways you can help your child and doctors smoothly transition. Please view the resources on this website designed for you in supporting your teen.