If a young person is likely to have care needs after they turn 18, your local authority should give you a transition assessment to help them move into adulthood. They must assess them if it considers there is “significant benefit” to the individual in doing so. This is regardless of whether the child or young person currently receives any services. This assessment can be requested by the young person's parents. There is no particular age at which this assessment request should be made, and in some cases it would be reasonable to request an assessment when the young person is 14 or 15.

Someone from the local authority will do the assessment. For example, a social worker or occupational therapist. The assessor will ask how you’re managing everyday tasks, such as washing, cooking, or using the bathroom.

The team works with those with learning or physical disabilities who have social care needs and meet eligibility criteria. The multi-disciplinary team of health and social care professionals aims to support the young person, their family and carers to plan for the future. They complete assessments to determine support needs and eligibility. If eligible, they work to achieve positive outcomes related to health, employment, community inclusion and independent living.

Support in children's services is free of charge for the young person and their family. However, when a young person turns 18-years-old and needs support from adult services, a financial assessment will be undertaken as they may need to contribute to the cost of their care

Support provided may include accommodation, day opportunities, employment pathways, education, respite care, financial assistance, equipment, information, reablement and more. The range of support offered is tailored to the individual based on their needs, circumstances and goals. The team can work with the young person until age 25 to ensure their care arrangements are settled before ending their involvement.

The transition process focuses on the young person's wishes, empowering them to take an active role in planning and decision-making. Their family and carers are also encouraged to participate. The team acts as a bridge between children's and adult services departments. Open communication and collaboration is key.

Planning ahead and having support during transition can reduce anxiety and lead to better outcomes for independence. However, the process can seem daunting. Accessing assessments, support and services through the transition team aims to smooth the way. The young person remains at the centre, with their goals and preferences guiding the process. With the right support and planning, transition can open up new possibilities for education, employment, independent living and community participation.

To find out more, your local council’s website should list the contact details of the relevant local service.

Transitions

Transition resources

Tools & frameworks for transitions

Finding your local transition service

What do we mean by ‘transitions’?