This paper proposes and describes use of a Transition Liaison individual, together with a discharge plan, to facilitate the successful discharge and transition of hospitalized children to the family and community-based services. Increased and more accurate communication between the family and professionals is seen as one of the primary benefits of utilizing a Transition Liaison. The Transition Liaison should be an individual knowledgeable in medical terminology and hospital procedures as well as in community and school services. The Transition Liaison's role would include ensuring compliance with regulations, initiating a discharge plan when a child is admitted to a hospital unit, and updating the plan on an ongoing basis. The Transition Liaison can also help teachers meet the special health needs of the child in the classroom and devise a system to prevent the child's falling behind if rehospitalization is necessary. (Contains 29 references.) (DB)