Learn about the transition process for when a young person is preparing to move from child to adult health and social care services, including support that may be available to them.
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Preparing for adulthood
Life for adults is different to life for children, which may include moving to adult services if you have care and support needs. It is important that you have the right information at the right time to make sure you’re preparing for adulthood.
From Year 9 (age 13 to 14 years) preparing for adulthood conversations should begin at school, which may include:
- what jobs you might like to do when you're an adult
- your options for education or training
- your future goals
- where you might want to live and how to be as independent as possible
- things you want to do in your community, like your hobbies, interests, and meeting friends
- how you're going to be as healthy as possible
Learn more in SEND Local Offer: Preparing for adulthood
Supported decision making and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
At this stage young people may be looking forward to becoming more independent, and need to make big or more complicated decisions about their lives and future.
It is important to be aware of:
- 'supported decision making' under the Children and Families Act 2014
- the ability of a young person to make decisions must also be considered under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Read more about this at Preparing for adulthood: Advocacy, advice and information
Preparing for Adulthood guide
The new Preparing for Adulthood guide has been designed to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 14 to 25 as they plan their transition from adolescence to adulthood.
The guide covers a wide range of topics, including education and employment, living independently, friendships and relationships, travelling, health and financial support.
The goal is to provide support to young people with the information they need to make informed choices about their future. The guide will also be a valuable resource for professionals, such as educators, social workers and healthcare providers, who support young people who are reaching adulthood.
Download the Preparing for Adulthood Guide (Nottinghamshire County Council) [PDF]
Or to learn more and find support for young people and families, visit the Preparing for Adulthood (Nottinghamshire County Council)
Moving to adult health services
If you still see a nurse or therapist as you get older, you might need to move to an adult service between the ages of 16 to 19 years, this is called a 'Transfer' or 'Transition'.
Adult bodies are different to children’s bodies. It is essential that the care you get is appropriate for your age and needs as you grow into an adult.
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have developed information specifically for young people, including the main changes in healthcare between 16 and 18 and how you can prepare for this.
Go to Transition to adult health services (NHS Nottinghamshire Healthcare)
Annual health check
An annual health check can be done by your doctor once a year. Your doctor will take a closer look at how you are doing to make sure you’re healthy.
It's available for most people aged 14 years and older with a learning disability at GP surgeries that offer the service.
Find out if you can get a health check by asking your doctor.
You don’t need to be ill to get a health check, but you can ask your doctor about anything that is hurting or worrying you. It's a good way to get to know your doctor better and for them to find out more about you.
Learn more about annual health checks (NHS)
Mencap also have an Easy read about annual health checks (Mencap)
Find out what happens during an annual health check in this 2-minute YouTube video from Mencap:
Moving to adult social care services
What happens if I need support when I turn 18?
If you need continued care and support when you turn 18, either you or someone who supports you can make a referral to Nottinghamshire County Council.
Nottinghamshire County Council's Preparing for Adulthood Team
Nottinghamshire County Council have a Preparing for Adulthood Team who can provide support for young people.
They work with young people who have an impairment and require social care support that cannot be accessed through community services already in place.
The Preparing for Adulthood Team can help with:
- being independent
- being part of the community
- getting the right support
- giving support to carers including short breaks
- helping with safety and risks.
For details, go to the Preparing for Adulthood Team directory listing
Find out how the Preparing for Adulthood Team can support young people in this 4-minute YouTube video:
Where can I get further advice on adult social care support?
If you need further advice on accessing adult social care support, contact Nottinghamshire County Council's Customer Service Team