ABSTRACT

Such activity needs to be understood in the context of statutory duties, agency requirements, and the needs and wishes of the young people. Young people already feel disempowered by society, and this is before they have any further challenges in their lives. To start the transition into adulthood for Jenny (from the case study in the chapter) with her health needs transferring into adult services, issues may arise as she is required to adapt to adult healthcare. An exploration of the definition of transition and its importance will offer explanations of the journey from child to young adult, when transitioning with a long-term illness. This includes an acknowledgement of the effects of physical and human development on the young person and also the attributes of the young person with long-term illness, including the debilitating effect the condition has on the young person and their body. There will also be a focused exploration of themes related to transition, including youth culture, comparative youth and the biographical perspective of youth.