Integrated transition planning is a path to living a full, meaningful, and connected life as a community member. It means planning for what will change as your child becomes an adult. Everyone is different, so every idea might not be right for your family.

Did You Know? Many mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression may not be diagnosed until a person is in their late teens or twenties. These conditions make the time of transition, ages 18 to 21, more complex as a young adult’s needs might not be fully known.

Crisis Services

The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Two Paths to Supports and Services

Path 1: If a youth adult’s primary diagnosis is an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD), with co-occurring mental health needs, their transition services likely will include the following:

• • • Start by contacting your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to request an eligibility determination for adult long-term care programs like Family Care or IRIS.
    • Apply or re-apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Even if a child did not qualify before, they might be eligible as an adult. SSI only looks at the individual’s income starting at age 18.
    • Talk with your young adult’s doctor and medical specialists about transitioning to adult providers. Your Children’s Resource Center, CLTS service coordinator, Family Care Managed Care Organization or IRIS consultant can help find providers. Look for providers who:
      • • are in network with your child’s health insurance.
        • have experience working with adults who have a disability and also mental health needs.

Path 2: If a young adult’s diagnosis is solely mental health related, their path will look different. You’ll find that services may vary depending on the county where you live. Here are some steps to follow:

• • • Contact your county’s Human Services Department to learn about county-based, adult mental health programs and resources.
    • Apply, or reapply, for SSI. Understand that denials are common and you can appeal the decision.
    • Talk with your young adult’s mental health providers about transitioning to adult providers. Adult programs and services may be available starting at age 18 or 21.

Community Supports for Youth

Children’s Long-Term Support Program (CLTS)

Young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities typically transition from CLTS and move into Family Care or IRIS around age 18, but young adults with mental health diagnoses may not qualify for Family Care or IRIS. If this is the case, consider asking your CLTS coordinator about having your young adult continue to participate in the CLTS program until age 21.

Intensive Mental Health Programs

For young adults living with serious mental health challenges, intensive community-based programs offer a wide array of supports. These include Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) and Community Support Programs (CSP). These programs offer care coordination, medication management, employment, therapy, family education, and other services. If a youth is enrolled in a county mental health program, they may be able to continue services or transition to an adult program at age 18.

• • • Be aware that these programs are available in most, but not all counties in Wisconsin. Contact your county human services department to learn more.