Transitions of females from adolescent secure to adult secure services: a qualitative pilot project

For young people, the transition from adolescent to adult services is particularly problematic. This may be particularly difficult for female service users.

The aim of this study is to gain a fuller account of the experience of young people during transition from adolescent services to adult services and to add to the knowledge around the transitional process.

This study used a qualitative analysis of female adolescents' experience of transition to adult secure services. A four-layer coding structure grouped responses by time frame.

The results were consistent with previous research indicating that adolescents are sensitive to the behaviour of others throughout the transition process. Particularly, strong themes were the negative impact of aggression from other patients, the importance of relationships with staff and other patients, and the need for informed involvement in all aspects of the transition process.

An increase in positive statements regarding the post-transition experience suggests that moves have been positive although this could be explained by admission to settings of lower security. The discussion highlights the importance of moving beyond procedural issues of transition to a focus on the social and culture gaps that appear to divide CAMHS and AMHS.