District of Columbia Youth with Special Health Care Needs (YSHCN) Transitioning to Adult Services: Overcoming Barriers to Successful Transitioning

Although the transition to adulthood is difficult for all youth, it is far more complex for youth with special health care needs. For youth with special health care needs, who have received services from pediatric providers their entire lives, the complicated process of taking control of their own healthcare needs as they move into adulthood can be challenging and problematic. Research indicates very few YSHCN are receiving adequate transition preparation, and evidence indicates that early preparation is worse for racial and ethnic minorities. Low income youth with special health care needs are at increased risk of experiencing gaps in access to care as they move into adulthood. To address issues associated with transitioning YSHCN, the District of Columbia in collaboration with representatives from consumer groups, health care providers, government agencies, universities, the public school system and parental groups have begun identifying barriers that prevent YSHCN to successfully transition to adulthood. Recommendations offered by the collaborative to decrease barriers and disparities include; implementing promising transition practices, increase availability of adult providers who are willing and able to care for YSHCN, and to educate YSHCN and families about methods to successfully transition into adulthood. With the right information and support, transition can be a time of positive growth for YSHCN and their families.

Learning Objectives:

• Discussion of promising transition practices. • Identify existing barriers for successful transition by YSHCN • Explain all aspects of adult health care, work, and independence for transitioning YSHCN