Preparing for adulthood

Moving from children’s services to adult social care is a big step for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

Preparing for Adulthood, also known as ‘transition planning,’ is the process of moving from children’s services to adult social care. This starts around age 14 and continues until age 25.

It is an exciting stage in life, but it can also be a difficult and uncertain time for a young person with SEND. This process will focus on taking steps so that young people with SEND can:

• enjoy independent living as much as possible
• achieve as much as possible
• reach their goals, dreams and ambitions in adult life

Preparing for Adulthood includes:

• moving home: to go to higher education and/or independent living. This includes different forms of supported living and housing arrangements
• managing money: learning about budgeting and benefits
• education and employment: exploring higher education, jobs, self-employment, and volunteer work
• social life: going out and building relationships
• travel: learning to travel safely
• health: staying physically and mentally healthy as an adult