As children grow up, the support they receive will change. Up to age 18, support usually comes from children’s services, and after this it moves to adult services. This change does not happen all at once. It should be planned early, often from around age 13 or 14, so there is enough time to think about your child’s future and make sure the right support is in place.
Transition planning should look at all areas of your child’s life, such as health, education, daily living, work, and where they might live. As your child gets older, they will be encouraged to have more say in decisions about their care and future. There should not be a gap in support, and children’s services should continue until adult services are ready or no longer needed. Good planning helps make the move to adult life smoother and less stressful for you and your child.
The laws around young people change when they move from childhood to adulthood. Particularly the transition from The Children Act to The Care Act can present significant changes to how care, equipment and support needs are assessed, and what is covered. Each focuses on different things which can lead to a different type and level of care and support provision for children compared to Adults. Adult legislation places greater emphasis on the young person being in control and making decisions. Where a child does not have the capacity to make decisions when they become an adult, safeguards need to be in place to support their best interests, this is explained in the Mental Capacity Act and these changes start from age 16 in order to support the child through the transition into adulthood. Parents will find that after 18 the way that information is accessed and shared about the child/ young person changes. This can be significant change for parents.
Useful links and resources
- Scope – planning transition to adult care services
- Mencap – transition to adult care
- NHS – moving from children’s social care to adults social care
- Together for short lives – transition to adults care a guide for parents
- Sense – life stages transition
- Mental Capacity Act – Social care and support guide – NHS
- Council For Disabled Children ‘BRILLIANT BASICS: Mental Capacity for under 18’s’ MF FLOWCHART
