Preparing for adulthood - The transition team

Our approach

From Year 9 (aged 14 years), we begin early planning for young people who are likely to meet the eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014 by attending their annual EHCP review.

This is a really important part of our work because the Care Act sets out the legal responsibilities for adult social care, and early planning can make things happen more smoothly when a young person turns 18 years.

At aged 17 years, we start gathering detailed information to complete a Care Act assessment, so that support is in place when needed at the age of 18 years. Each young person is given a named worker who will:

• work closely with the young person and their family to help them aim high and get ready for adult life
• carry out an assessment that covers all parts of the young person’s life and support needs. This holistic assessment includes checks around mental capacity and if funding from health (Continuing Health Care) should be applied for
• provide information, advice and support to understand information, express their needs and wishes, and help them obtain the care and support they need. This includes linking to the Local Offer and other support services
• ensure the move to adult social care services happens at the right time - up to the young person’s 25th birthday

Our responsibilities

These include:

• participating in education, health, and care planning from age 14 years
• establishing eligibility for adult social care services
• completing Care Act assessments
• securing funding for care and support needs identified by assessments
• overseeing the move from children to adult services
• managing cases until they are settled and ready for handover to regular adult social care services

Young people within our services are also assessed for safeguarding, mental capacity assessments, and applications to the Court of Protection where needed.

Working together

To ensure a joined-up approach, we work with:

• schools
• SENAR
• children’s services
• health teams
• voluntary organisations