"My Child May Be Ready, but I Am Not": Parents' Experiences of Their Children's Transition to Inclusive Fitness Settings

Parents play an essential role in the transition from separate physical activity programs to inclusive settings for their children. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of parents as they anticipate and prepare for their children experiencing disability to transition, understand strategies used to address transition, and gain insights into the supports important to families during transition. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis research approach, semistructured one-on-one interviews were conducted with 8 parents whose children were undergoing the transition from separate to inclusive community fitness contexts. Four themes described the experiences of parents as they anticipated, prepared for, and supported their child to transition: My child may be ready, but I am not; fear of outside judgment; playing by their rules; and reframing our thinking. Using Schlossberg's model, the tensions parents faced as they negotiated new roles, relationships, routines, and assumptions as they moved through the transition process were uncovered. The parents experienced transition alongside their children, providing insights for fitness and health-promotion professionals. Without preparation for transition, apprehensions and hesitancy may postpone or prevent their children's transition to community programs.

Addressing Women's Unmet Health Care Needs in a Canadian Remand Center: Catalyst for Improved Health?

Incarcerated women have a disproportionate burden of infectious and chronic disease, substance disorders, and mental illness. This study explored incarcerated women's health and whether a Women's Health Clinic improved care within this vulnerable population. Retrospective chart reviews and focus groups were conducted. Poor access to care in the community due to competing social needs was described. Barriers to care during incarceration included lack of comprehensive gender-specific services, mistrust of providers, and fragmentation. Of 109 women, high rates of mental illness, partner violence, substance use, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and irregular Pap testing were observed. Pap (15% to 54%, p < .001) and STI (17% to 89%, p < .001) testing rates increased. Fragmentation of care remained at transition points, and further work is needed to improve continuity within corrections and the community.

The Impact of Homelessness and Incarceration on Women's Health

Female inmates have multiple challenges during incarceration and as they transition into the community including: barriers to accessing health care within correctional facilities, poor transitional preparation preceding release, and inadequate continuity of health care after release. This qualitative study explored the health-seeking experiences and the health and housing needs of female inmates. Four focus groups were conducted in a remand facility in Canada. Women described poor health at entry to the correctional system and viewed incarceration as a means to access health care services. Transition back into the community represented a crossroad that was dependent on the stability of housing status. These findings support gender-sensitive health and housing programs to reduce addictions, recidivism, and poor health among this vulnerable population.