Growing up gaining independence - Information for families

Patient Information Leaflet - for families

• Your child is getting older.
• One day they will leave children's services and move into adult care.
• We want to help you to get your child ready. We will work with you to help them learn.
• We will show you how to talk to your child about their health.

• We think it is good for young people to see the doctor without their parents for some of the appointment.
• A member of staff can go with them if they want.

• When your child is 16 years old, the law lets them make choices.
• We will help work out if they can make decisions on their own.
• We call this 'having capacity'.
• If they can, your child will be the main person to decide about their health.

• The hospital should send letters to your child instead of you.
• We know that you may feel uncomfortable or even anxious when you child takes charge of their health.
• This is a normal part of growing up. You can help them to get ready.

• Please ask if you have any questions.
• To contact someone from the team please send an email to: whh-tr.healthtransition@nhs.net