Young People in Transition: Moving from Children's to Adult Care Services
What Is the Transition to Adult Services?
For young people with disabilities, complex health needs, or mental health conditions who are receiving support from children's services, the move to adult services, typically around the age of 18, is one of the most significant transitions they will face.
This transition affects not only the individual but their entire family. Services, funding mechanisms, and key professionals may change. The approach to care often shifts too, with adult services placing greater emphasis on autonomy and self-determination. For many families, this can feel both welcome and unsettling.
When Should Planning Begin?
Transition planning should ideally begin at age 14, with formal review processes built into the young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) from that point onwards. In practice, earlier and more proactive planning leads to better outcomes, allowing time to explore adult services, understand funding routes, and ensure continuity of support.
Key professionals involved in transition planning typically include social workers, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) teams, health professionals, and the young person's school or college. Families play a central role and should be fully involved at every stage.
Common Challenges During Transition
Gaps in provision between children's and adult services are one of the most common challenges families face. There may be a period where existing support ends before new adult services are confirmed, making proactive planning and early engagement with adult providers essential.
Young people themselves may feel anxious about the change, particularly if they have built strong relationships with their existing support team. Ensuring continuity of relationships where possible, and introducing adult service providers gradually, can help ease this anxiety.
How Support At Home Helps with Transition
Our Children, Young People and Family Support service supports young people through and beyond transition, providing continuity of care as needs evolve into adulthood. We work with young people, their families, and their professional networks to ensure that the move to adult services is as smooth and well-planned as possible. Visit our Funding Your Care page for information on adult funding routes, and contact us to discuss individual circumstances.