What does transition mean for young people?

There are many vulnerable young people that need extra support after they leave school. Young people in transition are usually aged 16 – 25. When they reach 16 they often need some level of care to help them to prepare for a more independent life. The main categories of young people in this situation are:

• Looked After Children from care homes
• Young people with learning disabilities 
• Young people dealing with mental health
• Young people with physical disabilities

Often planning for their care starts when they are 14 and this is led by their social worker and involves the schools, parents and the young person. It’s important that they are involved in the decision making for their own future. This planning then continues until they leave school.

The transition plan covers everything that a young person needs to think about as they enter adulthood. The first consideration is usually where they will live, some young people may want to continue to live at home with their family whereas others that want to live independently may choose to a supported housing facility that will give them the skills they need to eventually be able to live alone.

The social worker will create a person-centred care plan that is specifically for each individual and this may include some of the following:

• Housing choices
• Funding sources
• Health needs
• Further education
• Training and employment
• Travel costs
• Skills to live independently
• Support from friends and family
• Support from professional bodies
• Short breaks (respite care)

If the young person has complex health needs and they require a lot of support then it is important for the social worker leading on the transition asks for an assessment from the local authority. This will identify if the young person needs to access continuing care funds, which are available for people who have long-term conditions.

If the transition planning is started early and if the young person, families and all key professionals are involved then it will be very helpful to all. It allows the young person to focus on the future with a positive outlook and the families can be assured that their son or daughter will be well cared for and happy.