For a long time, Grandview Kids has witnessed the gap in support and resources that occurs when our clients transition from our care (as kids and adolescents) to adult care. Teens and their caregivers consistently tell us it feels like “falling off a cliff” when their paediatric support system is no longer accessible. Grandview Kids knew we had to bridge this gap, and help prepare families for the uncertainties that lay ahead.
Supported by a grant from TD Bank Group, the new Grandview Kids Adolescent Transition Program will provide the much-needed support to families that are aging out of services at Grandview Kids. Families would start this transition planning at age 15 (grade 10) to prepare for critical applications at ages 16 and 18. It was co-designed by Parent Advocates, Youth Advocates, as well as members of Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement, Clinical and Client Services, and Medical teams. This integrated approach puts the family voice at the centre of program development.
The Grandview Kids Adolescent Transition Program focuses on four goal areas:
Questions and answers
Who is eligible?
Youths, aged 15 to 21, who have communication, physical or developmental needs. There are resources and supports for caregivers as well as adolescents. The youth may or may not have been a Grandview Kids client in the past.
Those clients currently receiving transition supports as part of ongoing community or centre-based Grandview Kids services should contact their clinician first, but remain eligible to access other tools and resources offered through this program.
How do I make a referral?
To make a referral to the Adolescent Transition Program, please submit an online referral or contact our Service Navigation team at 905-728-1673 extension 2468.
Are there any ways to be supported right away?
Yes. Caregivers, parents and adult guardians can join our free, online support group, called the Transition: Adolescent Parent Support (TAPS) Facebook page. It offers networking, mentorship, support and resource navigation in a safe, collaborative space. Here’s how to join the Facebook support page:
- Visit www.facebook.com/groups/grandviewtaps/
- Click “Join Group” (top right)
- You will be asked a series of questions to determine eligibility, including a contact number so a member of the Family Engagement Team can confirm you are the parent/guardian of a youth preparing to transition from paediatric to adult care in Durham Region.
- A Grandview Kids Peer Navigator will call you to confirm your request.
How do I find out more information?
If you have questions about the Adolescent Transition Program, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca.
