The Child Health Strategy has specific importance for disabled young people and transition.

It recognises the importance of continuity of services transition: 'it is important that care and support do not fall away or become fragmented as they come into contact with adult services'.

However, a distinction is made between the move to adult services and the transition into adulthood itself, both of which are important. This recognises that disabled young people are entitled to a life outside of services provided for them. The Child Health Strategy states: 'Most young people are already on a path to success, they do well at school, make a successful transition to adult life and go on to build successful careers and families. However, not all young people are on this path and many experience problems in their teenage years such as falling behind at school or getting involved with drugs, criminal and other unacceptable behaviour. Sometimes these problems are only temporary setbacks, which are rapidly overcome, but for some young people, problems can prove more severe and entrenched. This can have serious consequences for their health, wellbeing and development'.

Specifically regarding the transition process, the Strategy reads: 'Offering greater choice and control to disabled young people in the transition from childhood to adulthood is a priority. In addition to individual budget pilots, the £19 million Transition Support Programme which the Government launched in December 2008 will tackle the barriers that prevent local authorities and PCTs from meeting their duties towards disabled young people to ensure that they experience a smooth transition to adult life, with the right support to make choices that other young people take for granted. The programme will focus on those with the most complex needs'.

The Council for Disabled Children has also written a policy analysis of the Child Health Strategy and its implications for disabled children and young people.