Adolescence is the stage of life between eleven and 19 years of age. It is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations of good health (WHO, 2024).

Adolescence and young adulthood can be a time of great opportunity but also a vulnerable time, made even more challenging if a young person is living with a chronic health/ mental health condition or disability. It is essential to support the transition of care link between child and adult services and across primary, community and hospital settings.

Transition of care is an on-going gradual process where the focus is on preparing, educating and supporting young people and their families or caregivers for adulthood and lifelong health as they move to adult health services.

This webpage provides resources to support health professionals and healthcare teams to deliver transition of care pathways for young people attending their services as they prepare and move to adult services. It has been informed by the voices of young people and their parents/caregivers. National Survey on Transition of Care Experience (PNG, size 191.1 KB)

The respect of and their right to confidentiality is important to young people. A young person aged 16 or 17 can consent to their own treatment. Further information on the HSE National Consent Policy including information on confidentiality is available here: National Consent Policy.

Young people and their parents/caregivers can access information on transition of care to adult health services here: Moving from child to adult health services