Transitioning into adult social care
The transition to adulthood can feel particularly challenging for young people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. Often children will have a number of different contact people and agencies which may change as they approach adult life. It is important that they have a smooth transition from children's services into Adult Social Care.
Some young people will require support from adult social care services or the Strengthening Independence Service – Disabled Young People’s Teams (16-25) when they reach 18. For some, this support will just be in the form of advice and guidance, helping them to access services, facilities and resources already available in their area. Others with more complex needs will need more care and support. For everyone the focus should be on improving their independence and well-being, so they can live as well as they possibly can.
Some young people are already being supported by the Strengthening Independence Service – Disabled Children’s Teams and will transition to the Strengthening Independence Service – Disabled Young People’s Teams at age 16 to continue their transition to adult life.
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act was implemented in April 2015. This introduced a number of changes for Adult Social Care services, including:
- the need to provide information and advice
- a change to the eligibility criteria which Local Authorities use to determine if someone meets the criteria for care
- more support for carers, including young carers
- new duties and responsibilities in relation to Transition.
- Financial assessments to establish the person’s contributions towards their care costs.
Eligibility
The Care Act eligibility criteria assists Local Authorities in deciding who is eligible for care and support. Adults with a physical or mental disability or illness who are unable to complete specific tasks or activities are likely to meet the criteria where they have care and support needs.
Transition into adult social care
A transition assessment can happen if a young person is likely to have care and support needs when they reach 18 and where it is thought to be of significant benefit to the young person. Early transition planning is important in helping prevent a gap in service. It considers the young person's well-being and what care and future support they will need.
A young person or their carer can make a referral to Adult Social Care and request a transition assessment. The young person and carer must agree and give consent for the referral where they are able to do so. The assessment usually involves the young person, their parents, carer and anyone else the person, parents or carer asks to be involved. For young people with Special Educational Needs and who are likely to have Care and Support Needs at 18, a referral for an assessment under the Care Act may be appropriate.
If the relevant Social Care Team decides that an assessment is not needed after the referral has been considered, then the reasons for this will be given along with advice and more information.
Needs assessment for carers
The Care Act also enables young carers who are approaching 18 to have their needs assessed. There is also provision in the Care Act for the carers of disabled young people going through transition to have their needs assessed.
More information and contact details
Visit the Kent County Council (KCC) website for more information on Preparation for adulthood core standards and protocols - Kent County Council aimed at parents and young people. Or contact KCC Adult Social Care on 03000 416161 for more information.
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