AUGUST 17: YOUTH &YOUNG ADULT TRANSFORMATION TEAM |
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Family Involvement During Transition to Adulthood:
A Critical Component of Success
Transition begins in mid-adolescence and typically occurs when youth are 18 to 25 years of age, coinciding with developmental milestones for emerging adults and changes in legal status that affect parental rights. While it is widely accepted that positive outcomes are more likely to be achieved when families and caregivers are meaningfully engaged in the lives and treatment of their children and adolescents with mental health conditions, family involvement is often not considered a key component for youth transitioning to the adult system.
Parental involvement does not end when a youth turns eighteen or even when they move out of the home. Parents and caregivers have an ongoing role of providing social, emotional, psychological, and financial support until their young adults are safely and securely launched, whenever that may be.[i] Parents and caregivers are also sources of vital information on a youth’s medical and educational history as well as the family culture. Maintaining and strengthening a connection to family throughout the transition period is a key protective and promotive factor of a positive outcome for youth and families.[ii]
CITATIONS
[i] Board on Children, Youth, and Families; Institute of Medicine; National Research Council. Improving the Health, Safety, and Well-Being of Young Adults: Workshop Summary. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2013 Sep 27. E, Background Paper: Parenting During the Transitions to Adulthood. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK202210/
[ii] Youth Thrive: PROTECTIVE & PROMOTIVE FACTORS for Healthy Development and Well-being https://cssp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/youth-thrive-protective-promotive-factors.pdf
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#1: Families are a vital source of support to youth transitioning to adulthood.
A survey of families conducted in November 2019 - March 2020 by Portland State University and FREDLA (Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association) reported that families provided housing, financial support for basic needs, and transportation to/from school, work, and appointments; helped to schedule appointments; talked with service providers; participated in crisis planning; and helped with job searches and application processes. Families expressed that they wanted their young adults to reach their goals and to be as independent as possible. Providers can convey to youth the value of having family members involved in services for youth transitioning to adulthood.
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#2: Balance young adult choice with family member support.
As young adults naturally develop more independence, the role of families shifts from a role as decision-maker to a role of providing support. While youth and family changes happen gradually, institutional transitions occur abruptly as legal and bureaucratic rules often result in disconnecting youth from their families.
As youth become young adults, family members often find themselves having to navigate a tricky landscape. Family members/caregivers have been the decision makers for their child for 18 years and suddenly, when their child turns 18, their decision-making ends and the young adult is now the one making all of the decisions. While most families support their young adult being their own decision maker, families often find themselves faced with concerns about the young adult’s ability to make decisions without adequate support, information, and guidance. Families play an important role in helping youth envision a future for themselves that is based on their strengths and interests, rooted in possibilities; identifying what it would take to get there; and supporting thoughtful planning. All youth need the support of caring adults, including their families, as they transition into adulthood.
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RESOURCES
The Family Guideposts: Engaging in Youth Transitions, Youth Program Edition, Leuchovius, D., Pleet, A., Richards, C., & Wills., J. (2019)., Washington, DC: Institute for Educational Leadership, National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
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#3: Families need information and support throughout transition.
In focus groups conducted by FREDLA in 2018, families reported feeling overwhelmed by the transition planning process and learning how to navigate the adult behavioral health service system. Parent peer support has been shown to be a valuable resource for families of young adults. Connecting with another parent or caregiver who has similar life experiences can make a world of difference in helping the parent or caregiver learn the skills needed to effectively support their young adult while respecting their child’s autonomy and decision-making authority. Transition isn’t easy for the young adult or the family. By supporting both, the chance for a positive outcome greatly improves.
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#4: Confidentiality should not be a barrier to communication with families.
Lack of communication is a safety issue for families and youth. HIPAA and providers’ concerns for confidentiality can create an unintentional barrier to family involvement and at times can put young adults at risk.
Providers should look for opportunities to ask questions and facilitate discussion about family members and caregivers when establishing a relationship and setting goals with a young adult of transition age. An effective strategy for providers is the intentional use of language that promotes and supports the value of family member and caregiver engagement to work with the young adult to develop healthy, appropriate family support relationships.
Providers and systems need to be knowledgeable and flexible in navigating systems and establishing policies to maintain and strengthen relationships among young adults and their families. Providers should routinely explore possible benefits of the young adult giving them permission to share certain information with parents or family members. This can support appropriate crisis planning and improve continuity of care. Providers should be knowledgeable about options, such as release forms and advance directives, in which families can be appropriately involved in supporting their young adults’ care.
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#5: Parents need support and resources for self-care strategies for their own physical and mental wellness.
Parents and family members will support young adults long after the service system programs are gone, and it is important to promote and support caregiver self-care strategies. Providers should acknowledge the stress parents may be experiencing themselves and encourage families to avoid burnout by developing coping skills, such as celebrating success and focusing on things you can control and not letting caregiving take over your life.
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Contact the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for
Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health
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This announcement is supported by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award over five years (2020-2025) with 100 percent funded by SAMHSA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by SAMHSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government. |
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