Preparing for the future

Important milestones and things that happen at different ages

Introduction

Many services change as you move from children’s to adults.

As you get older

  • you earn the right to make more decisions about your life
  • you can choose to talk to services without your parents being with you
  • you can take decisions for yourself

This guide helps you understand what things you may want to consider when if you have additional needs.

It is important that you know what you can do and when. But it is also important to remember that it is your choice to do it. You do not have to if you do not feel ready.

information

The ‘My Important Stuff‘ document is a handy tool for keeping and sharing all your important info with the important people in your life. It’s useful to fill out and take to meetings when planning your future, so that the people helping you out know how to talk to you and what matters most to you.

Part of
Preparing for the future: Step by step

Decisions that need to be made at each age

1Things to consider

Including education, health, social care, transport and travel, finance and benefits

  1. At year 9 (age 13 to 14)
  2. At year 10 (age 14 to 15)
  3. At year 11 (age 15 to 16)
  4. At years 12 and 13 (age 17 to 19)
  5. For young adults (age 19 to 25)

Last updated: December 3, 2025

Next review due: June 3, 2026

Back to top