Where did the time go? This is what we as parents ask ourselves as our child turns 18. An adult – no way – but not a child either. The new adult often feels empowered, anxious to make decisions, and to determine their own course. For example, having to sign a release of information to allow mom and/or dad to talk to the doctor is a real eye opener for both the adult child and for parents.
As in all of life, adulthood is not an event but a process that starts way before age 18. By slowly giving and trusting your child with age-appropriate responsibilities, turning 18 becomes just another step in growing up. However, there are some big time legal changes that all teens need to be aware of. Below is a short list of suggested discussion points about adult rights and responsibilities. Good Luck!
- You are legally responsible for your actions – please think before you act.
- You can own things; a car, a credit card – money is needed to pay for these things.
- You can vote – a right many other countries do not have.
- If you break the law you will pay the fine or perhaps go to jail.
- Risk taking behavior is part of early adulthood – be aware.
- I am here to help you make good choices – I will listen.
The State of Wisconsin Bar Association is revising its publication, On Being 18. You can currently only find it on-line.
~ Darcia Behrens, LCSW, supervisor/clinician, Family Services, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
For so many Americans who lost their jobs and their insurance, Medicaid is an important safety net. Now imagine you lost both your job and your insurance benefits and your child gets sick, but you have the Medicaid safety net. So, you call your doctor, only to be told that your doctor’s office can’t see your child because he or she cannot see any more Medicaid patients. You are told this is because the state can’t afford to pay the costs for the services. 
that we feel to be representing