Transitioning Independence to Independence 5th Annual 22q11 DS Family Conference Education: November 3/18 Ashley Edwards, MSW, RSW Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist

Agenda Introduction & Goals Transition Preparing for Transition Independence Coaching & Supporting Caring for the Caregiver Questions & Discussion

Transition “a change from one form or type to another, or the process by which this happens” Cambridge Dictionary “passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another; a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another” Meriam Webster

Preparing for Transition Funding Mental Health Supportive People Medical Team Housing Community Resources Community Hobbies/Enjoyment Likes & Dislikes Now… Future Thinking Outside the Box

Preparing for Transition Family Visioning & Mission Statement What is important to us as a family? What do I most value? What do we most value? When I think about our future, I think about…. My dream for my child is… My dream for myself is… My dream for our family… My dream for us as a couple… **Template/Worksheet shared with organizers**

Preparing for Transition Strangers Acquaintances Community Agencies & Government Resources Community Professionals Friends Family Me Transition for the whole family, not just the “child”/young person Impact on all family members Everyone will have their own experience of the same transition Who can help with this, so I don’t have to “own” this process? What is my role versus what is my child’s role? What do we need to do now? What can wait? https://connectability.ca/2018/04/25/becoming- an-adult-transition-planning-for-youth-with-a- developmental-disability/ How do we define transition as a success? When do we know that the time of transition is complete? Or is transition ever complete?

Preparing for Transition Transition for the whole family, not just the “child”/young person Impact on all family members Everyone will have their own experience of the “same” transition Family members may view different aspects of transition as being hard or “easy” Role transition within the family Parents, siblings, and the young person 9 A B

“Belonging is being accepted for you “Belonging is being accepted for you. Fitting in is being like everyone else. If I get to be me, I belong.” -Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness

Deconstructing Independence…. Post it note paperchart What is it? What does it mean to you? What does it mean for your child? Are we/you working towards independence or interdependence?

Coaching and Supporting Advocating Balancing roles My role vs my child’s role Family role vs professional roles Balancing Supports Overwhelmed by too much Overwhelmed by not enough Setting boundaries What’s realistic? Empowering your child Coping with Success, Opportunity, Frustration and Challenges Age, Stage and Developmental Considerations

Caring for the Caregiver Mindfulness Exercise Cup of Coffee (or Tea!) Reading A warm bath Who is your support network? Socializing Nature (Hiking, Skiing, Kayaking, Gardening…) Arts (Music, Drawing, Painting, Poetry, Reading, Dancing, Theatre…) Counselling (Employee Assistance Program, Private Insurance…) “Sometimes the best thing you can do for your child is take care of yourself” “How do you fill your cup?”

Questions

"There are only two things that you can give your children, one is roots the other wings." --author unknown- Windows By Katrin Roots & Wings

Resources & References Ministry of Children & Youth Services http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/professionals/specialneeds/service_planning/transitions.aspx Developmental Services Ontario http://www.dsontario.ca/ Passport Funding https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/developmental/servicesupport/passport.aspx Ontario Disability Support Program https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/odsp/ Partners for Planning Toronto http://www.partnersforplanning.ca/ Connectability: https://connectability.ca/en/ Transition Timeline: https://connectability.ca/2018/04/25/becoming-an-adult-transition-planning-for-youth-with-a-developmental-disability/ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region https://www.eafwr.on.ca/ Extend-a-Family Toronto http://extendafamily.ca/ Sick Kids Transition – Resource Navigation Service http://www.sickkids.ca/patient-family-resources/resource-navigation-service/transitioning-to-adult-care/index.html My Transition App https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/mytransition-app/id1327036414?mt=8 Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario – Transition Resources http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/Transition-Adult-Care Community Living Ontario: https://communitylivingontario.ca/en/ Steps to Independence Guide https://connectability.ca/2014/06/24/steps-to-independence-2/ Community Integration through Cooperative Education (C.I.C.E.): https://www.ontariocolleges.ca/en/programs/education-community-and-social-services/inclusive-education Local school boards, local children’s rehab centres, and any supportive local resources (advocacy agencies) Promoting Independence – Australia https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/governance/IAC/iac-advice-independence BC Children’s Hospital – Youth Tool Kit http://www.bcchildrens.ca/our-services/support-services/transition-to-adult-care/youth-toolkit Canadian Association of Pediatric Health Care – National Transition Guide https://ken.caphc.org/xwiki/bin/view/Transitioning+from+Paediatric+to+Adult+Care/A+Guideline+for+Transition+from+Paediatric+to+Adult+Care