Moving to Adult Social Care services

Introduction

As young people become adults, they want to make their own choices and plan their future. This includes finding work, taking part in meaningful activities, living as independently as possible, being part of their community, and staying healthy.

Moving from Children’s Social Care to Adult Social Care can feel worrying. If a young person is likely to need support from Social Care in adult life, then a referral can be made. This may be because of sensory loss, a physical disability, a learning disability, or significant mental health needs.

Young person’s transition to adult social care

Early planning is really important for a smooth transition to Adult Social Care. Referrals can be made from 14-years-old onwards. A specialist countywide transition to adult social care team, will consider the needs of the young person outlined within the referral form and will identify the most appropriate service or team to support the young person. The transition to adult social care team also works closely with Children’s Social Care, health professionals, schools/colleges and other professionals involved to identify and understand the needs of the young person as early as possible

Where appropriate, a strengths-based Care Act Assessment will be completed before the young person turns 18-years-old to identify Care Act Eligible needs. This assessment should be Person-Centred and focused on the outcomes they want to achieve particularly within the 4 preparing for Adulthood Outcomes;

• Employment
• Independent living
• Community inclusion
• Health

You can find out more information about Adult Social Care on our Delivering care and support page.

Myth busting

This animation, created by the Unstoppables and the Transition to Adult Social Care team, helps young people understand what adult social care is, what support may be available, and challenges some common myths about moving from children’s services.

Making a referral

To make a referral, young people, families and professionals can complete the referral form below.

Saving this form

Please note that this referral form does not automatically save. However, as you progress through the form, you will be able to save your progress by pressing the “Save” button from page 2 onwards. This will present you with a unique link that you can use to resume your incomplete form at a later time. This can be a useful feature if you need to collect more information.