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Youth in Transition Toolkit:

3

Educate families

The family’s role

Families play a crucial role in a child's life. Help parents and other caregivers recognize the importance of their roles — and how these roles will change as a child transitions to adulthood.

LEARN: Develop your knowledge

Learn how to support parents in their changing role.

As youth get older and gain more independence, they'll drive the transition process. However, they'll still need their families for help and support — teaching them skills needed in adulthood and helping them navigate new decisions and responsibilities.

If you haven't already, review the roles page of this toolkit to learn about the family's role in the transition process.

DO: Work with families

Share information and resources with families to help them understand their role.

To understand the "seismic shift" parents of youth with disabilities will need to make during the transition to adulthood, share this PACER Center video on the changing role of parents (06:00). The video is best shared at the beginning of the transition process, when a child is about age 14.

Screenshot of the PACER Center's video: "The Changing Role of Parents".

Paving the way: Parent tips for supporting success in high school and beyond is provided by the PACER Center's National Parent Center for Employment and Transition. This website includes tips and resources for families on communication and teamwork, study habits and course selection, celebration and support, and preparing for the future.

PACER Center website, Paving the Way: Parent Tips for Supporting Success in High School and Beyond page

Developed by the PACER Center, these tips to maximize the parent role in transition (PDF) can help families make the most of their role as a partner during secondary transition planning.

PACER Center worksheet cover page: "Tips to Maximize the Parent Role in Transition".

The PACER Center's National Parent Center for Employment and Transition has compiled 10 items for families to consider for a successful transition for their youth: Ten tips that may help your child's transition to adulthood (PDF).

PACER Center worksheet cover page, "Ten Tips That May Help your Child's Transition to Adulthood".
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