https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/patients-and-families/your-care/teen-space/healthcare-transition/teenage-healthcare-parentcarer-check-in/

Teenage healthcare: ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’

This webpage is for parents or carers of young people aged 12 and older who have received the ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’ questionnaire.

Overview

At Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), we know how important your role is in helping your child to manage their condition. As they grow older and begin their healthcare transition, we want to empower them to become more confident in understanding and managing their own health- and we want to support you too.

What is healthcare transition?

Healthcare transition is a gradual process that usually begins around age 12 to 13. Over several years, we work together to help young people build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to manage their health and care more independently.

The goal is for them to feel ready to take the lead by the time they move to adult services, often around age 18. This doesn’t mean letting go entirely- many young people continue to rely on their parents and carers well into adulthood. Transition is about shifting the balance gradually, with the right support along the way.

To support this journey, we’ve developed the ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’ and the ‘Young Person Check-In’.

What is the ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’?

The ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’ is a short questionnaire we’ll give you when you check in to clinic if your child is aged 12 or over. It’s your opportunity to reflect on how your child’s healthcare is changing, what’s going well, and any questions or concerns you might want to bring up with the team during today’s appointment.

The ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’ aims to help you to think about:

  • How involved your child is in their healthcare?
  • What areas feel clear or unclear to you?
  • What you might want more support with?
  • Any questions you want to raise during the appointment.

Many families find the ‘Check-In’ helpful to reflect, and use it to guide their conversations with the healthcare team.

The ‘Check-In’ isn’t just about your child’s condition- it’s about supporting your child as a whole person. The ‘Check-In’ aims to help open up conversations about their wellbeing, confidence, emotional needs, and any challenges they may be facing- in school, relationships, or daily life.

What is the ‘Young Person Check-In’?

Your child will receive their own Check-In. This helps them start thinking about their health, building confidence to speak up, and practicing asking questions- all part of the transition journey.

Wherever possible, we encourage young people to complete their ‘Check-In’ independently. However, if your child needs support, you or a member of the outpatient team can assist them.

If your child is not able to complete the ‘Check-In’ meaningfully, you can decide that it isn’t appropriate for them at this time. That’s absolutely fine- it may not be suitable for everyone, and we trust your judgment as their parent or carer.

What should I do with my completed ‘Check-In’?

At the end of the appointment, please leave your completed forms with the healthcare team or at reception. If you'd like to keep a copy for yourself, you're welcome to take a photo before handing it in.

Further information

It’s for any parent, carer, or guardian supporting a child aged 12 or older – including those with additional needs – to help think ahead about their growing independence in healthcare.

No - it’s optional. However, many parents tell us they find it helpful for guiding conversations during appointments.

You’ll each receive your own ‘Check-In’, with different questions. The ‘Parent and Carer Check-In’ is for your own reflections. If your child needs help with theirs, you can support them- or a member of the outpatient team can assist.

The Parent and Carer Check-In is designed for all parents and carers of young people aged 12 and over.

It is designed to help you think about any areas where you’d like more information or support as your child grows, and to guide the conversations you may want to have with your clinical team.

We recognise that every young person is unique – and for those with learning disabilities, who are autistic, or have other additional needs, healthcare transition may look different. You know your child best, and we want to work with you in the way that feels right for them.

  • We would encourage you to complete the Parent and Carer Check-In, as it helps us understand your child’s needs, strengths, and the support you may require as a family.
  • Your child will also be offered their own Young Person Check-In. If this does not feel appropriate for your child, you can choose not to use it. This is completely fine – we trust your judgment.

Our aim is to meet your child where they are, celebrate their abilities, and support you both with a transition journey that is flexible, personalised, and grounded in what works best for your family.

If you feel your child would benefit from adaptations or additional support, please speak to your clinical team – we are here to help.

Yes. If there’s something you’d like to discuss privately, you’re welcome to speak to your child’s doctor, nurse, or key worker on your own during the appointment.

You can:

  • Tick the box on your ‘Check-In’ to let us know
  • Ask at any time during the visit
  • Mention it to the receptionist, nurse, or healthcare assistant

We’re always happy to support you in whatever way feels most comfortable.

We welcome feedback on how helpful the ‘Check-In’ was and whether there’s anything we could improve. Please let your healthcare team know or email us directly on the address below.

Want to know more?

Contact us

If you’d like more information about healthcare transition or support for your family, we’re here to help.

Email the Healthcare Transition Team: healthcaretransition@gosh.nhs.uk

Written by: Healthcare Transition Team

Reference number: 0126PAF0030

Last reviewed: January 2026