Transitions

Transitions are supporting rangatahi to take the next steps that fit what they want and need, either as part of growing up, moving on from a service or to a new service.

Rangatahi may have missed some usual developmental transitions, like going to high school, or they may have made big transitions early, like leaving home.

Planning for transitions begins when rangatahi come into our services. Plans are reviewed regularly with rangatahi to make sure they are still relevant and rangatahi are happy with them.

 

Thanks to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment for funding the research that created these resources (MAUX2006).

This work by J. Sanders, R. Munford, J. Webster, J. Mercier, D. Abbott & L. Liebenberg is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Working with transitions involves:

  • Providing opportunities relevant to the next step, so rangatahi are prepared for change,
  • Understanding how different cultural values and beliefs influence transitions,
  • Planning for transitions right from the start and actively involving rangatahi in these plans,
  • Providing emotional and practical support when rangatahi stumble during transition processes,
  • Following up on plans with others to make sure everyone is doing their bit,
  • Celebrating transitions and steps along the way.

 

To explore this element in more depth, go to the PARTH in practice reflection sheet.

"Transitions" orientated rangatahi voices

Eva's voice

Eva describes a kaimahi who helped her connect with other services.

Taia's voice

Taia reflects on having to take on adult responsibility early.

All Transitions voices

Read Tim's story about walking alongside rangatahi.

Kaimahi stories have come from the youthsay partners. Te Aroha Noa Community Services, INNOV8, Dingwall Launch Programme, VIBE, Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Services (TYMS), Reconnect Family Services, Kapiti Youth Support (KYS) and other kaimahi shared these stories from their mahi. They have been anonymised to protect identities. A big thank you to the organisations and kaimahi who have generously shared their wisdom and experience.

Walking alongside rangatahi as they are exposed to new experiences and showing them how to do stuff.

For example, Joy, really anxious about applying for jobs and walking into places and handing in her C.V and stuff. So, with the first couple of places I prepared her. I said, we are going to walk in together, just introduce yourself, I will introduce myself. You will say that you are looking for a job and you are here to leave your C.V with them. If they are interested your contact details are on there.

We did that for about three times and then she started to feel a lot better. So on the 4th time and ever since then she has done it on her own.

You can walk along with them, so they don’t have to feel that awkwardness on their own, and then they realise that it’s not that big a deal, they build that confidence.

Read more

Esta's story is about the ebbs and flows of rangatahi engagement.

Kaimahi stories have come from the youthsay partners. Te Aroha Noa Community Services, INNOV8, Dingwall Launch Programme, VIBE, Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Services (TYMS), Reconnect Family Services, Kapiti Youth Support (KYS) and other kaimahi shared these stories from their mahi. They have been anonymised to protect identities. A big thank you to the organisations and kaimahi who have generously shared their wisdom and experience.

‘There is only so much you can plan’;
‘Cool you’re doing really well, …..oh, ok we are back to here’;

‘Hi how are you doing? Oh you’re in Napier? Ok right’;

‘You’re pregnant?’

The ability to have planned transitions to interdependence is largely based on the engagement with the rangatahi, their ebbs and flows.

I find that there will be times where we will be doing heaps of stuff and then they are really quiet, and I might not see them for weeks. Often there is no particular reason, they seem to be ok and just getting on with life.

I think it is important for them to always know that you are there and ready if/when support may be needed again. So, I message weekly or fortnightly just to check in, regardless of whether I get a reply or not.

Read more

Transitions indicators

You know you are working with Transitions when you:

  • Plan earlier rather than later and spend time on the transition to walk the rangatahi through all of the steps.
  • Ensure the transition fits- recognise that they have to do the thing they are moving into everyday.
  • Are realistic about how to sustain the transition and make sure the practical things are in place.
  • Recognise that options may run out and you have to look for more.
  • Are open to possibilities and dreams rangatahi have. Follow a process through so they can see the reality. Walk them through steps.
  • Ask questions to help them figure out the reality of options and steps to get there. Be honest. Balance the reality of the goal vs. not squashing their dreams.
  • Are human. Take breaks, do fun activities to help step away from the seriousness of the transition process.
  • Accept failures and learn from them and move forward. It will never be perfect.
  • Involve whānau so they can buy in and continue the transition plan. This is important.

Transitions reflection cards

This work by J. Sanders, R. Munford, J. Webster, J. Mercier, D. Abbott & L. Liebenberg is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. 
This site was created as part of a research programme (MAUX2006) funded by MBIE. We thank them for their support.

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