Purpose of this Resource

The purpose of the Unite Core Components Guidebook is to support the uptake and implementation of the core components of successful mental health transitions in youth mental health care settings.

This resource is not meant to be prescriptive. Transition policies and practices vary based on a number of factors. This guidebook is meant to be used as a starting place for further discussion and development of transition policies and interventions that fit within your community.

Further support for the implementation of these core components can be found in the Unite Implementation Workbook. These two resources are intended to be used together.

Using this Resource

The core components are grouped into six categories, or “elements,” that guide the transition process from beginning to end. Each core component subsection includes a brief overview and resources to support your understanding, including:

• Definitions of keywords
• Linked citations
• References to sections of the Implementation Workbook
• Quotes or notes from expert knowledge users

Throughout this guidebook, we describe and link to external resources. These resources provide further learning opportunities and implementation support in alignment with the corresponding core component. Resources include:

• Example Programs
• Interactive Trainings
• Academic Publications
• Example Guidelines or Policies
• Measurement Tools

All resources and links were last reviewed in February 2025. We aim to review links annually and update them where needed.

Development of this Resource

This resource has been developed through extensive community collaborations, research partnerships, and a literature review.

Unless otherwise cited, definitions in this guidebook were developed in consultation with an Expert Advisory Committee that included researchers, clinicians, youth, family members, and caregivers from across Canada.

Quotations and “Notes from a Navigator” were sourced from research studies conducted by our research team, including a pan-Canadian Delphi study that developed core components and the Navigator Evaluation Advancing Transitions (NEAT) Study.

All 'Notes from a Navigator' quotes are attributed to a manuscript in preparation and should not be copied/reproduced:

• Cleverley K et al. (2023) Understanding the scope and impact of the youth mental health transition navigator role: perspectives of navigators and clinicians. [manuscript in preparation].

This manuscript will be open access and linked through our website upon publication.

Remaining quotes from clinicians, administrators, youth, and caregivers are attributed to the following study:

• Cleverley K, McCann E, O"Brien D, Davies J, Bennett K, Brennenstuhl S, Courey L, Henderson J, Jeffs L, Miller J, Pignatiello T, Rong J, Rowland E, Stevens K, & Szatmari P. (2021). Prioritizing core components of successful transitions from child to adult mental health care: A national Delphi survey with youth, caregivers, and health professionals. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-021-01806-6