Transitioning to Adult Social Care

As some young people with SEND get older, they may need support from Adult Social Care.

Planning ahead can help make the move to adult services easier. It gives young people, families and professionals time to think about future support and what a good adult life looks like.

Adult Social Care is different from Children's Services. This page explains what Adult Social Care does, when planning should start and how to access support.

On This Page

• What is Adult Social Care?

• When should planning start?

• What changes at age 18?

• Who can get Adult Social Care support?

• What is a transition assessment?

• Frequently asked questions

• Advocacy and support

• Useful links and contacts

What is Adult Social Care?

Adult Social Care supports people aged 18 and over who need help with day-to-day life.

The aim is to help people:

• Stay safe and well

• Be as independent as possible

• Take part in their community

• Build life skills

• Achieve their goals

Support is different for everyone. Some people may only need information and advice. Others may need ongoing support.

When Should Planning Start?

Planning for adulthood should start early.

For young people with an EHCP, discussions about adult life should begin from Year 9 (age 13 to 14).

Starting early gives everyone time to think about:

• Education, training or work

• Independence skills

• Housing options

• Travel and transport

• Health needs

• Future support

These discussions should continue through annual reviews.

What Changes at Age 18?

Children's Services and Adult Services work differently.

When a young person turns 18:

• Support does not automatically move to Adult Social Care.

• Adult Social Care uses different eligibility rules.

• Assessments focus on the young person's needs as an adult.

• Young people are encouraged to make their own decisions wherever possible.

Some young people will receive Adult Social Care support. Others may be supported in different ways.

Who Can Get Adult Social Care Support?

Adult Social Care looks at how a person's needs affect everyday life.

Support is not based on a diagnosis alone.

A young person may be able to receive support if they have care and support needs that affect their independence, wellbeing or daily living.

You do not need to have received Children's Social Care support to ask for help from Adult Social Care.

What is a Transition Assessment?

A transition assessment helps Adult Social Care understand what support a young person may need as they become an adult.

Transition assessments are usually considered between the ages of 16 and 18. Adult Social Care services normally begin at age 18.

The assessment may look at:

• Daily living skills

• Independence

• Education, training or employment plans

• Family support

• Health needs

• Future goals

The assessment helps decide whether support may be needed after the young person turns 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can I be referred to Adult Social Care?

Planning for adulthood can begin from Year 9.

Transition assessments are usually considered between the ages of 16 and 18. Adult Social Care services normally begin when a young person turns 18.

I am over 18 and have never had Social Care support. Can I still ask for help?

Yes.

You can contact Adult Social Care and ask for an assessment, even if you have never received support before.

Who can make a referral?

A referral can be made by:

• The young person

• A parent or carer

• A teacher or college staff member

• A health professional

• Another professional who knows the young person well

Can I ask for an assessment if I have never been known to Social Care?

Yes.

You can ask for a Care Needs Assessment. Adult Social Care will talk to you about your needs and decide whether an assessment is required.

Should Adult Social Care be discussed at my annual review?

Yes.

Future support needs and transition planning should be discussed during annual reviews. This helps everyone plan for adulthood and understand what support may be needed in the future.

Will I automatically receive Adult Social Care support at 18?

No.

Support is not automatically transferred from Children's Services.

Adult Social Care will consider whether the young person meets the eligibility criteria for support.

Advocacy and Support

Young people should be involved in decisions about their future.

Advocacy services can help young people:

• Understand their rights

• Share their views

• Ask questions

• Take part in meetings and assessments

• Make informed decisions

Find out more about Advocacy Services

More Information About Preparing for Adulthood

Adult Social Care is only one part of preparing for adulthood.

You can also explore:

• Education, Training and Employment

• Independent Living

• Friends, Relationships and Community

• Health and Wellbeing

Visit Preparing for Adulthood for Young People with SEND for information about these areas.

Contact Adult Social Care

If you think you or your child may need support from Adult Social Care, contact the Adult Social Care team to discuss your situation and request an assessment.

Find out more about eligibility and request a Care Needs Assessment on Sutton Council's website [External Link]