LAUSR

BACKGROUND Recently, there has been an increase in the development of transition services for adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). These studies have emphasized the importance of addressing parents' needs during their children's adolescence. AIMS To understand how parents experience adolescence and transition to adulthood of their adolescents with CP and to identify relevant components for the development of a service for families. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A qualitative study was conducted with 18 families of adolescents with CP. Caregivers were purposely recruited from the Adolescence in Focus Program, a transition program. Individual interviews were conducted using a semistructured script. Then, the caregivers were invited to participate in focus groups. The interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed for content analysis. RESULTS Three categories emerged: "The onset of adolescence"; "What will our future be?"; and "Support and services: paths to follow". The adolescents' behavioral changes seemed to be intensified by their restricted social participation. The parents reported the desire for their adolescents to become independent in daily activities. Regarding their own future, they aimed to reestablish the occupational roles that were interrupted. CONCLUSION Information from this study guided the design of a program for families regarding content, format and outcomes.