Health Care Transition

What is Health Care Transition?

Health care transition is helping young people with special health care needs plan the move from child-centered to adult-centered health care systems. It is one of the many transitions or changes that all young people face as they grow up and become adults. Other transitions include transition from high school to college, vocational school, or work; and transition from home to community living.

Why is transitioning to an adult-centered health care system important?

Transition to the adult heath care system provides:

  • Screening for and treatment of adult health problems;
  • Greater emphasis on sexuality and reproductive health;
  • Orientation to work and independent living.

And promotes:

  • Independence in care and decision-making;
  • Normal social and emotional development;
  • Positive self-image and sense of competence.

Health is everything! Health can impact transitions in all other areas of life.

Health Care Transition Resources and Materials in Maryland

Transition Clinics: The Office for Genetics and Children with Special Health Care Needs (OGCSHCN) supports the operation of two pediatric-to-adult transition clinics at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. These clinics assist with planning the move from pediatric to adult specialists for young people with sickle cell disease and diabetes.  For more information, please contact us at 1-800-638-8864.

Transition Lecture Series: OGCSHCN supports a monthly Transition Lecture Series hosted by The Resource Network at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. These lectures are designed for young people with special health care needs, their families and providers, and cover a wide range of topics important for transitioning youth.  For more information, please contact The Resource Finder at 1-800-390-3372.

Health Care Transition Materials

  • Ten Steps to Health Care Transition - A quick reference guide on what families can do to help their child with special health care needs plan the move from child-centered to adult-centered health care systems.

Additional Maryland Transition Resources

Other Health Care Transition Resources

For more information, please contact us at 1-800-638-8864