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Winter 2011/12 | Vol 15 No 2

Note from the editor

What happens to youth with mental health or substance use issues as they approach adulthood? What happens when they legally become adults if they have been getting services through the youth health system and are no longer eligible to receive them?

Between about age 13 and 24, young people go through a crucial developmental period. Most of them will make a successful transition to adulthood. They will complete their education, find jobs and stable housing and develop meaningful relationships. But about five to 10 per cent will struggle. In fact, mental health and substance use issues often emerge during this critical period.

Transition-aged youth who have received services from the youth system may need continued services and supports from the adult system. But traditional mental health and addiction services help youth and adults in separate systems of care, with few bridges between them. At a time when youth need help most, a lot of them lose services.

This issue of CrossCurrents takes a look at the unique needs of these emerging adults and what is being done in Canada and beyond to bridge the gap.

Enjoy this issue, and all the best to you in 2012.

Hema Zbogar
tel 416 595-6714
hema_zbogar@camh.net

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