Life Skills

This tip sheet was written by the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research's Family Advisory Board (FAB). The tip sheet is written for the parents and care-givers of young adults with serious mental health conditions. It provides explains why self-care is important and offers self-care tips and resources.

During the transitions to adulthood, young adults with mental health conditions struggle more than their typically-developing counterparts. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults with mental health conditions are delayed in all areas of psychosocial development except sexuality. This tip sheet offers ways to work with young adults with mental health conditions and make this transition process easier.

Positive familial support can be a good resource for young people during their transition years. However, family involvement and support during the transition years for young adults with mental health conditions can be complicated by changing family dynamics. This tip sheet describes what we know about partnering with families, offers best practices when working with young adults and their families and providers some resources to learn more.

The "Achieving a Better Life Experience" Act, or ABLE Act, is a federal law that was passed in 2014. This landmark legislation offers people living with disabilities, including those with serious mental health conditions, a chance to pursue their hopes and dreams in a realistic way without as many financial obstacles.

Answers the following questions about Social Security's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a child who has turned 18: Can I keep my SSI? Can I work? Are there ways to earn money without reducing my SSI check? What if Social Security turns me down when I turn 18?