Transitions

Transition to adulthood is a vulnerable time for young people. Not all young people who have received support from Children’s Services or who have been abused as a child will need support from Adult Social Care; however, it is important to engage with them prior to them leaving Children’s Services to ensure they are supported going into adulthood.

There should be robust joint working arrangements between children’s and adult’s services for young people who meet the criteria for transition into adult services. The care needs of the young person should be at the forefront of any support planning and requires a coordinated multi-agency approach. Assessment of care needs should include issues of safeguarding and risk. Care planning needs to ensure the young adult’s safety is not put at risk through delays in providing the services they need to maintain their independence, wellbeing and choice.

Where there are ongoing safeguarding issues for a young person aged, 17, and it is anticipated that on reaching 18 years of age, they are likely to require an adult safeguarding intervention, safeguarding arrangements should be discussed as part of transition support planning and protection. Conference Chairs and Independent Reviewing Officers, if involved, should seek assurance there has been appropriate consultation with the young person by adult social care and invite them to any relevant conference or review. Clarification should be sought on:

If a young person is not subject to Child Protection Plan, it may be prudent to hold a professionals meeting.