The transition from a child and adolescent to an adult mental health service is necessary for young people whose mental health problems are likely to be both severe and enduring.

Adolescents between the ages of 10 and 20 make up 13-15% of the total population of the UK and they form a significant social group with major health needs.

The issue of concern is that some young people fail to make the transition, usually for reasons of service design, configuration and ethos.

The Trust transition protocol was developed to ensure that young people with continuing mental health problems, are effectively supported during the transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services(AMH) or other adult services.

To determine the compliance with trust guidelines in transfer of care from CAMHS to Adult mental health.

Consider practical and administrative issues that come up when implementing the current protocol.

Review of case notes of clients transferred to AMH between March 08 - July 09.

12 cases identified

All transfer had detailed written referral letter.In three-quarters of cases a care coordinator in AMH was allocated within 2-3 weeks of the referral, following which a formal transfer meeting took place in 75% of cases and during the transfer any crisis was managed by the CAMHS team.

GP & CMHT received a detailed discharge letter in majority of cases.However only 1/2 of cases had a planning meeting, and attendance at meetings was incomplete.