UF CARES Health Care Transition from Youth to Adult Care

At UF CARES, we believe that growing up means gaining the confidence to take charge of your health. Our Health Care Transition (HCT) program prepares youth and families early so that moving from pediatric to adult care is smooth and supported.

We begin working with youth between ages 12 and 14, gradually encouraging independence while keeping families involved. Starting at age 14, we use readiness surveys to help identify strengths and areas where support is needed. Our providers and care team guide patients step by step, offering education, tools, and resources to make the transition a positive experience.

When the time comes, usually around age 22, we help youth connect with an adult provider. Either within UF CARES or in the community, and make sure medical records and important information are transferred smoothly. Our team remains available along the way to answer questions and provide support.

At UF CARES, we understand that growing up brings many exciting changes. One of the most important is learning how to take charge of your own health. Our team is committed to preparing youth and families early so that the move from pediatric to adult care is smooth, confident, and successful.

What is Health Care Transition?

Health Care Transition, or HCT, is the process of helping adolescents and young adults move from pediatric focused care into adult focused care. This involves more than just changing doctors. It is about building knowledge, skills, and independence so that each young person can manage their health with confidence.

Who is Included?

Our transition process begins between ages 12 and 14, depending on the needs of each youth and at the discretion of the medical provider. Starting at this age allows us to prepare early, involve families, and help patients feel supported every step of the way.

How UF CARES Supports Transition

• Early Identification: At age 12, youth are identified as transition aged and included in our HCT program.
• Team Based Approach: Every week, our care team holds a Pediatric Staffing Meeting to review the upcoming week’s visits. During this meeting we:
  • Identify which patients are in the transition age group
  • Review what each patient may need such as labs, surveys, or health education
  • Plan how to best support the patient’s transition journey
• Education and Independence: Beginning around ages 12 to 14, providers spend time with the teen during clinic visits to help set health priorities, goals, encourage independence, and support decision making. Providers also share our transition policy with youth and families.
• Transition Readiness Surveys: Starting at age 14, both the youth and the parent or caregiver complete an annual Transition Readiness Survey. Results are entered into the electronic health record to help guide care and track progress.
• Transition Monitoring: Pediatric staff track each youth’s progress in a transition registry, ensuring that activities and goals are completed on time.
• At Age 18: Youth legally become adults. We respect that many young adult patients continue to involve their families in health decisions. With the young adult’s consent, we can share information with family members. If a youth has a condition that prevents independent decision making, we encourage parents and caregivers to explore supported decision making options.
• Planning for Transfer to Adult Care: We collaborate with youth and families to determine the best timing for transfer, which usually occurs around age 22.
  • We will assist with this process, including introductions to adult providers and staff at UF CARES adult clinic and establishing the first adult clinic appointment.
  • If the youth chooses an adult provider outside UF CARES, we will support the transfer by sending medical records and communicating with the new provider about the unique needs of our patients.
• Tools We Use: To support youth and families during and after the transition, we use:
  • A Transition Checklist
  • A Transfer Letter to the adult provider (if needed)
  • A Post Transfer Survey
• Continued Support: As always, our team remains available if youth or families have any questions or concerns during or after the transition process.

Our Commitment

UF CARES, our goal is to make sure every young person:

• Understands their health and treatment
• Feels confident asking questions and making decisions
• Knows where to turn for help and resources
• Moves into adult care ready, supported, and empowered

If you have questions about Health Care Transition or would like to learn more about how we prepare youth for this important step, please contact the UF CARES clinic team at (904) 244-2121.

We are here to guide you every step of the way!