Resource for transitioning youth
Transitioning to adult life is important and often challenging for youth and their families. Nobody knows this better than parents like Colleen Denman whose son Riley is now in grade 10. “Transition is one of those things that’s been in my head since he was little,” says Colleen, “The thought of adulthood always looms in the back of your mind. It can be daunting to always be the one solely responsible for someone’s future happiness, security and safety.”
Colleen Denman’s son Riley is a student at Carson Graham Secondary School in North Vancouver and he will be turning 17 in June. He plays an important role on his school’s basketball team by supporting players, assisting with practice drills and working the score clock. Along with older brother Curtis who is in grade 12, he attends every game.
It can be daunting for families to navigate the transition to adult life. When youth have special needs, transition planning is needed. There are many opportunities, supports and services that youth and their families will learn about which may be appropriate or needed for adult life.
Youth with Special Needs: Roles and Tasks for Transition Planning Team Members chart.
In October of 2009, the Cross Ministry Transition Planning Protocol for Youth with Special Needs was introduced. The Protocol describes how youth and their families and the nine government organizations work together. The Protocol promotes a cross-ministry commitment to collaborative transition planning process for individual youth and their families. Community Living BC (CLBC) is one of the organizations that work in collaboration with youth and their families and other government organizations and ministries to support youth transitioning to adulthood.
The Family Support Institute (FSI) is one of the community partners who provided input and guidance during the development of the protocol. Other community partners were PLEA Community Services Society, Bridges to the Future, and Caring for First Nations Children Society.
“Our role at the table was to bring the family perspective,” says Angela Clancy, Executive Director of FSI. “Families really need to see that there’s an invested interest in collaboration. Their family member is touching on a number of different supports and it’s important for them to know that government groups are speaking to each other.”
Another desire that families expressed was for clear, understandable information about the transition process, says Angela. There is an appendix to the Protocol, called the Youth with Special Needs: Roles and Tasks for Transition Planning Team Members which is an important resource that outlines the roles of team members including youth, family, and staff from school, youth services and adult services in a clear chart.
“It shows who you go to and who you talk to. It’s clearly laid out and it’s in plain language,” says Angela.
The chart begins at age 14 and includes information for each step in the process to age 19 and beyond. Even for families who have not started the planning process at age 14, the chart can be a valuable tool.
For Colleen and Riley, the Youth with Special Needs: Roles and Tasks for Transition Planning Team Members chart has provided a well laid-out map of the transition process which has relieved a lot of pressure.
“It’s timely. It’s sequential. I’m just thankful to have something that really tells me what to do and who to see,” says Colleen. “It’s a great resource.”
Riley’s story was recently featured on CTV News and can be viewed online at www.ctvbc.ctv.ca by searching for “Carson Graham’s team spirit”.
Ministries and Agencies participating in the Cross Ministry Transition Planning Protocol for Youth with Special Needs: Community Living BC; Ministry of Social Development; Ministry of Children and Family Development; Ministry of Advanced Education; Ministry of Health Services; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General; BC Housing; Public Guardian and Trustee.
For more information on Youth Transition to adults services, including a link to the Youth with Special Needs: Roles and Tasks for Transition Planning Team Members chart, please visit the CLBC website under Individuals & Families > Youth in Transition.
