Transition is when young people are moving from childhood to adulthood.
Council services for adults are different from those for children. So, it is important that young adults get the services they need to live a full life.
It is a very important stage in a young person’s life. They need to make plans for their future care arrangements that will help them live as independently as possible.
Good planning for your transition will help you to lead a more enjoyable and fulfilling adult life.
The Care Act says that local councils must consider the well-being of every young person and young carer. To design the right care and support plan for you, we will carry out a transition assessment to find out just what help you will need as you approach adulthood.
We will assess you at a time that works for you. For example, we would not assess you when you are preparing for exams or coping with medical treatment.
Help for young people
Councils will know about many of the young people affected by the changes in the Care Act. There will be some young adults who do not yet get any help.
The changes can benefit you if, you are approaching adulthood and:
- you live with a disability;
- you are a young carer and care for an adult with a disability;
- you have other problems (for example, autism, mental health problems or illness).
If you are not sure if you qualify, contact: Gateway to Care and we will talk it through with you.
Your transition assessment
Your assessment will be based on what you need, want and hope for as you begin your adult life. It will consider your wellbeing, including building a fulfilling social life and making a contribution to society, as well as your basic living needs.
The transition assessment may not always result in services, but whatever happens, we will give you good advice and a plan for meeting your identified needs.
Your assessment will tell us what your needs are. Then, we will work with you and perhaps your family, carer or someone who knows you well to build a transition plan.
We will consider your identified needs and look at the help and support available to you, including your friends, local community services and specialist help if you need it. And because you and your needs will change over time, your support plan will change too, perhaps because you develop new interests, move away from home or go to college.
If it does not result in services, the council will write to you and explain why it has made this decision. If this happens, the council must also provide information and advice explaining other support that may be provided by other organisations such as the voluntary sector.
Care and support costs
There are charges for some of the services we provide.
However, no-one has to pay more than they can afford, and, you will need to budget and live within your means.
As well as help with budgeting, we will also offer you advice on getting all the benefits due to you.