Transition is the term used to refer to the process of any young person (aged between 14 to 25) moving from children's services into adult social care (ASC).
You may be eligible for extra support in adulthood if you have:
- special educational needs
- disabilities
- health issues
- mental health issues
The level of support varies based on needs.
If you have special educational needs but not an EHC plan
If you don't have an education, health and care (EHC) plan, you can:
- speak with your school about your aspirations for the future, and how they can help you achieve them
- talk with your family and any professionals supporting you about what you want to do when you are older
- check out education options for young people over 16 years old, getting a job, and activities and events that you may be interested in
If you have an EHC plan
If you have an EHCP, at age 14 you will be allocated to a professional called 'Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Keyworker (for 14 to 19-year-olds)'. PfA keyworkers will help you think about your goals for the future and ensure that these are reflected in your EHC plan.
Your keyworker may come to your annual review for an EHC plan to help you plan for the future.
If you, your family or any professionals supporting you think you might need support in adulthood, they can request an assessment of your needs.
Children who have a social worker from the Disabled Children’s Team or a SEND service lead professional will be contacted to discuss having an adult social care assessment prior to turning 17.
These assessments are completed for all young people by PfA keyworkers based in the adult learning disability team.
If you are identified as potentially eligible for adult social care support, the PfA keyworker will discuss with you and your family about what support you may need. They will also agree a plan to meet those needs after you turn 18.
The target is for all young people eligible for adult social care to have their package of support agreed and in place prior to them turning 18.
Contact the preparing for adulthood team
For more information about adult social care contact the preparing for adulthood team:
- Telephone: 020 8383 6464
- Email: LDTeaminfo@lbhf.gov.uk