Transition to adulthood is the period of onset of most of the serious mental disorders that disable or kill in adult life. However, only a small proportion of young people in this age group, less than one in six, access services or receive
appropriate care. The current service configuration of distinct Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is increasingly viewed as an impediment to holistic and comprehensive care for young people, especially those who make a transition from one model to another. There is international concern about young people who get ‘lost’ during their move from CAMHS to AMHS (hereby called transition). Disruption of care during transition may adversely affect the health, wellbeing and potential of this vulnerable group. This symposium will present initial data from the European-funded MILESTONE project, aimed at assessing the characteristics and outcomes of transition in 8 European countries: this project will provide helpful data to set up effective transition policies and practices in European countries.