Question of the Month | Parent Professional Advocacy League

How prepared do you feel for when your child transitions to adult life?

As children transition into adulthood, our role as parent/caregiver changes. We move from being the primary decision maker to supporting and guiding our children as they take on new responsibilities.

When a child/youth has mental health needs, you may be thinking about life after high school and what that means. For your child, this may include health care options, supports/services, education, employment, independent living/housing, financial support, supported decision making/guardianship, safety planning, and more.

Do you feel prepared to support your child’s transition into adulthood? This applies to children of all ages up to 18 years.

Most of the time: I feel prepared.
Some of the time: I’m working on this.
Seldom: I’m struggling to figure this out.
Never: This is so hard/I don't know where to start.
Other: I have not started.

For children 18+ years, how often does your adult child need support to navigate and manage things?

Most of the time: needs support for major things (ex: housing and finances)
Some of the time: needs regular family support and also somewhat independent
Seldom: needs occasional support (ex: support finding a new provider)
Never: independent for the most part

Where have you or will you look for guidance and support (select all that apply)

Family-run organization like PPAL
Child’s Special Education Team
State agency (ex: DMH or DDS)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
Child’s therapist/psychiatrist
Family and friends
Social media, such as Facebook groups

Looking for help right now? Request FREE 1:1 family support from PPAL here.