Preparing for adulthood 14+
We know it can be a worrying time when young people move from childhood to adulthood. The way they access support and services will change and it is important to be prepared for the change.
The information on these pages should help you to find out about what happens. Also, you can view or download our Preparing for Adulthood booklet (PDF, 1820.59 KB).
They will be responsible for making their own decisions and may be thinking about the preparing for adulthood outcomes:
- Going to college and getting a job
- Moving into their own place
- Enjoying activities as a young adult in their local community
- Keeping healthy
Transition from childhood to adulthood is different for every young person. They may continue in education, or be supported by adult social care, or a combination of both. We encourage all young people and their parents or carers to start thinking about preparing for adulthood from Year 9 (age 14 onwards). Here are some things you can do to start planning for when a young person becomes 18.
We have worked with our 'All About Us' network (children and young people's participation groups), to put together this easy read information about preparing for adulthood (PDF, 3156.48 KB). Young people may find this helpful when starting to think about what they want to do as an adult.
Education, health and care plans annual review
We recommend you and your young person go to the Year 9 education, health and care plans (EHCP) annual review at school, to make sure the outcomes they want for adult life are considered and recorded. These discussions should include whether they want to attend college and whether they will need support from adult social care once they become 18.
Think about if they will want to go to college with a view to getting a job. You will need to look at what colleges are available and the different types of courses they do. You will be supported by SEN Services so their EHCP is updated to show the change in education setting.
Adult social care
If they’re going to need extra support from adult social care, the school will ask for your consent to refer the young person at the age of 16. An early notification form will be completed by the SENCo with input from you and your young person. Professionals will then carry out a preparing for adulthood assessment to see if they meet the Care Act criteria and decide the most suitable adult service to support them. If they’re eligible, they will be referred to one of the following services:
- Integrated Learning Disability team
- East or West Locality team for those with physical or sensory needs
- NHS Mental Health Services
- NHS Continuing Health Care
Decision making
The law says, young people (including those with SEND) can make decisions about their lives from the age of 16 if they have the capacity to do so. Obviously, they will want to include their parents and teachers in helping them to make the right decisions. There is an event on decision making and the Mental Capacity Act which will provide you with more information.
Preparing for adulthood events
Every year, Enfield Council hold a series of events to support each of the preparing for adulthood outcomes. See details about these events.
We recommend you start going to preparing for adulthood events when your young person reaches Year 9. Although certain information is only relevant at points in their transition, it is good to have an overall understanding of what will happen. There is a lot to take in and it can be helpful to go more than once.
These events provide you with a chance to meet and talk to other parents and professionals. They can give you advice and information to help you and your young person make the right decision about their future, and to have a smooth transition into adulthood.
School coffee mornings
Your young person’s school may hold a transition coffee morning at the start of the academic year. This is a good way to find out more information.
The coffee morning gives you a chance to meet some of the professionals that will be involved in the transition. They will explain what happens and when, and where to find out information and get support if you need it.
You will also get the chance to meet Jane Richards, a parent carer who set up Families in Transition to Adulthood. Jane has been through transition with her young person and you can ask her questions ’parent to parent’.
Speak to your school to find out when they will be holding their coffee morning.
Transition to adult health and social care
When a young person reaches 18, if eligible under the Care Act (PDF), the responsibility for providing health and social care support transfers from children’s services to adult social care (ASC). To make this a smooth transition, we start thinking about adulthood from age 14, but the process starts at age 16. This is so that the care and support will be in place by the age of 18.
Throughout this process, we promise to use the principles outlined in our charter.
The process is summarised in this preparing for adulthood flowchart (PDF, 106.42 KB), and the detailed steps are explained below.
| Stage | Age | Process and tips |
|---|---|---|
| Early transition | 14 to 16 years |
Parents and young person should go to the EHCP annual reviews arranged by the school, and think about if the young person wants to continue their education. Preparing for adulthood outcomes should be included in the EHCP. There is a preparing for adulthood booklet for young people available as an easy read version (PDF, 3156.48 KB). The school has a duty to make sure you receive careers advice. Go to the school transition coffee morning if they hold one. Also go to the preparing for adulthood events to prepare yourself and understand what happens in transition to adulthood. |
| Refer (early notification) | 16 years |
If the young person is going to need on-going support from ASC when they reach 18 years of age, parental consent is sought by a professional, usually the SENCO at your child’s school, to complete an early notification form and make a referral to ASC. ASC agree which is the best team to support and meet the needs of the young person in adulthood. You will be referred to one of the following Teams:
Parents may want to go to preparing for adulthood events for more information. |
| Preparing for adulthood assessment | From 17 years |
A professional from your allocated ASC team will contact the family to start the preparing for adulthood assessment. The assessment can take 3 to 6 months and will include completing forms, and meetings with you and your young person. Parents may want to go to preparing for adulthood events for more information. |
| Draw up care and support plan | 17.5 years |
Following the preparing for adulthood assessment, a social worker will be allocated to the young person to draw up their care and support plan for when they reach adulthood. You will receive a copy of the finalised care and support plan. If this includes a personal budget, the social worker will advise the LD Brokerage Team who will contact you to set up your account and e-card. Parents may want to go to preparing for adulthood events for more information. |
| Transition to adult social care | 18 years |
Adult care and support plan and funding in place from 18 years. If for any reason there is a delay in implementing the care and support plan, there is an agreement with Children’s Services that they will continue to fund any existing provision until the adult care and support plan provision is in place. |
| On-going annual review of ASC care and support plan | 18+ years |
On-going annual review to make sure the care and support plan continues to meet the needs of the young person. If at any point the provision in the plan is not meeting the needs of your young person, you can request a review outside of the annual review. Please contact the Duty Social Worker on 020 8379 5075 or email learning.disabilities@enfield.gov.uk Where possible, we will co-ordinate this meeting with the education, health and care plan annual review. |
| Carers assessment combined | 18+ years |
The carer’s needs will be assessed as part of the preparing for adulthood assessment. This is known as a combined assessment. This combined assessment looks at the impact of the carer’s role and considers what support might be needed to meet both the young person's and the carer’s needs. These combined needs are identified in the young person's assessment and support plan. This can include, for example, respite, equipment and additional support. The assessment will be carried out by the professional who is working with you to complete the preparing for adulthood assessment. This could be an occupational therapist, community nurse, social worker or other health and social care professional. For more information, visit MyLife - caring for somebody. |
| Carers assessment independent | 18+ years |
A carer’s assessment is independent of the young person's assessment. This assessment is about the carer. The carer would have their own carer’s assessment and their own support plan. If carers would like to have their own assessment, this will be carried out by Enfield Carers Homecare. For more information, visit MyLife - caring for somebody. |
Finding support
Transition can be an anxious time for young people and their parents and carers. The Preparing for Adulthood Booklet provides lots of information and support, and the following organisations can also help as young people prepare for adulthood:
- Your young person’s school
- Easy read Preparing for Adulthood (PDF, 3156.48 KB)
- The Local Offer
- SEN Services Post 16 Team - email sen@enfield.gov.uk or phone 020 3821 1919
- My Life (Adult Social Care)
- Families in Transition to Adulthood (Jane Richards, parent carer) - email jane.fta@hotmail.com or phone 07816 070098
- Joint Service for Disabled Children - email cheviots@enfield.gov.uk or phone 020 8363 4047
- Integrated Learning Disability Service - email learning.disabilities@enfield.gov.uk or phone 020 8379 5039
- Single Point of Access locality teams for physical disability and sensory impairment - email adultsocialcare@enfield.gov.uk or phone 020 8379 1001
- CAPE (Carers and Parents in Enfield)
- Healthwatch Enfield
- SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)
- Our Voice - parents' forum
- Enfield Carers Centre transition support worker - email transitions@enfieldcarers.org
The following table shows the different stages of support available to parents and carers as their young person transitions to adulthood.
| Stage | Type of support |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 - Before the assessment |
This is the initial stage of transition (before the assessment) when professionals will be talking to you and your young person about what they would like to do in the future. It is a good idea to talk about any anxieties you may have with a professional, so they know how you're feeling. You should also look at the Local Offer and MyLife to see what support there is. |
| Stage 2 - The Moving On assessment |
You might be starting to feel anxious about the future and the changes that are about to happen. Make sure you talk to the professional in Adult Social Care who is doing the Moving On assessment. They can signpost you to: |
| Stage 3 - If more support is needed |
If you're feeling worried about the future and what this means for you, there is other support available:
|
| Stage 4 - Peer support |
Sometimes it can be helpful to share your worries with others. If you're still feeling anxious despite accessing support available in stages 1 to 3, you can:
|
| Stage 5 - Professional support |
|
Preparing for adulthood events
We hold a series of preparing for adulthood events throughout the year to support all aspects of transition. These events are aimed at providing you with key information to support you and your young person's transition into adulthood.
There is no need to book. Just turn up at the venue, or for the on-line events click on the event link to join the online session (Microsoft Teams meeting). If you need help with Teams, visit Join a meeting in Microsoft Teams.
The venue for all events is:
Integrated Learning Disability Service
Carnegie Building
258a Hertford Road
Enfield
EN3 5BN
Calendar of events
Introduction to preparing for adulthood – the pathway, process and support
Date: Wednesday 18 September 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event provides an overview of the transition process and will help parents/carers to understand what happens and when. You will also find out about the information and events that are available to support you through the transition period.
Transition – A personal journey
Date: Tuesday 24 September 2024
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Come and hear from Eleanor and Claire about their personal journey to adulthood and independence. What did mother and daughter learn on their journey, what are the pitfalls, the highs the lows. You will leave with an understanding of what is possible and how, along with some top tips to support you on your journey. This is a hybrid event which means that you can attend in person or join on-line using the link.
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 399 364 292 246 Passcode: TeEnto
Decision making and me
Date: Friday 27 September 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is for anyone 16 years old or over. It says that people can make decisions about things that affect their lives. This event will help you to understand how it applies to you and your young person, and how you will both be supported to make decisions.
You will learn about the following:
- How the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies to young people aged 16 – 18 years and 18+
- Deputyships and Appointeeships
- How, and who is able to make decisions for those young people lacking mental capacity
- The principles of mental capacity assessments
- What is meant by the term 'best interest' meeting/decision?
- When are best interest decisions made?
- Can parents still continue to make decisions
Decision making and me
Date: Thursday 3 October 2024
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Details as above. This is a hybrid event which means that you can attend in person or join on-line using the link.
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 374 413 876 39 Passcode: rhifgA
EHCPs and the process of applying for a post-16 education setting
Date: Friday 4 October 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
During this session you will hear about:
- the step-by-step breakdown of the Post 16 Phase Transfer process for Young People with an EHCP
- the consultation process with your preferred setting
- the process of naming a Post 16 Setting within an EHCP
There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
EHCPs and the process of applying for a post-16 education setting
Date: Monday 14 October 2024
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Details as above. This is a hybrid event which means that you can attend in person or join on-line using the link.
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 354 611 070 052 Passcode: HkQfJV
Supporting parents and carers during transition
Date: Friday 18 October 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event will provide practical tips and sources of support to help parents through this time of change in your life.
- Understand the process of transition of young people from childhood to adulthood, and how it will impact on them
- Take time out to think about and discuss the challenges you face as your young person makes the transition to adulthood
- How will your life be different, will your role change, and how does this make you feel
Understanding welfare benefits and Council Tax discounts
Date: Friday 8 November 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event will help you to understand the welfare benefit system and find out how your benefits might change when your young person becomes an adult including:
- Find out how to be an appointee
- The change at 16 years from DLA to PIP and what’s the difference
- Understanding Universal Credit
- Benefit changes for parents
- Tips about bank accounts and savings
It will also provide information about Council Tax discounts and exemptions.
Understanding welfare benefits and Council Tax discounts
Date: Thursday 21 November 2024
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Details as above. This is a hybrid event which means that you can attend in person or join on-line using the link.
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 373 756 518 403 Passcode: z5Y5PU
Support planning
Date: Friday 29 November 2024
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event provides you with the opportunity to gain a good understanding of the following:
- How co-production works in practice
- The importance of 'whole life planning'
- How to develop meaningful outcomes
- Addressing areas of risk
- Making best use of contingency planning
- Personal budgets and how to use them
Personal budgets, direct payments and travel assistance
Date: Thursday 16 January 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
At this event you will find out the following:
- What personal budgets and direct payments are, how they are calculated and what they can and cannot be spent on
- The Adult Social Care Charging Policy
- Assessed contributions and how they are calculated
- Disability related expenditure
Getting a home
Date: Friday 7 February 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
You will find out:
- what care and support is available to help a young person live more independently
- what the accommodation options are for supported or independent living
- how new technology can help people to live more independently in their own properties
- how Vincent House, our transition flats, give young people the opportunity to experience living independently and to learn new skills and grow in confidence
- how we make sure that young people’s emotional well-being is considered and that they have social networks and friends
- how we support young people to stay safe
Wills and trusts
Date: Friday 28 February 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Parents often worry about what will happen when they are no longer here to care for their loved ones. This event provides you with general information on the topic of Wills, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney. Also, you will be given information about the following:
- What are the different types of Wills and which is best for you
- Probate and choosing your Executors wisely
- Ensuring Lasting Power of Attorney documents are in place and fully understood
- Dealing with vulnerable beneficiaries
Health services and keeping healthy
Date: Friday 14 March 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event will help you to understand the different ways in which health services are delivered once your young person becomes 18. Find out about:
- the Community Nursing Team
- the annual health check
- how the Hospital Passport can help to make visits to the hospital run smoothly
- vaccinations and decision making
- what help there is in the community to help young people stay healthy
Day services
Date: Thursday 27 March 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
This event will help you understand the following:
- What are Day Services and how you access and pay for them.
- Where do you find out about the different providers and their programme of activities?
- How will attending a Day Service benefit my young person?
Getting a job
Date: Friday 2 May 2025
Time: 10:30am to 1pm
Find out about:
- SEND Careers
- Supported Internships
- College courses
- Equals Employment Service
Presentations from previous events
- Mental Capacity Act Transition Event May 2022 (PDF, 199.76 KB)
- Preparing for Adulthood presentation – transition of young people with SEND to adulthood (PDF, 1807.78 KB)
- The process of applying for a Post-16 setting - SEN (PDF, 163.89 KB)
- Welfare benefits (PDF, 716.67 KB)
- Care and support planning (PDF, 465.71 KB)
- Council Tax – for parents (PDF, 192.93 KB)
Our charter
We will:
- explain how the Moving On process works so you know what to expect
- give you information early so you have time to think about your options
- explain what services and support you are eligible for
- ask how you want us to give you information
- give you information in plain English so it is easy to understand
- provide you with opportunities to meet other parents through Families in Transition to Adulthood, Our Voice parents' forum, information events and coffee mornings
- provide you with a key contact, known as a care co-ordinator
- work with you to develop support plans to meet the young person’s needs and help achieve their aspirations
- celebrate your young person becoming an adult
Day services
You may want to consider day services and other activities as part of your care and support from adult social care.
Day services and activities are provided by social services, the NHS, and other voluntary organisations. They give people with learning disabilities an opportunity to:
- learn or improve their independence skills
- socialise
- take part in leisure activities
- go on days out and trips to places of interest
You will need to pay for these services, either by using any personal budget you have been given through the preparing for adulthood assessment process or using your own funds.
For more information about day services and activity providers, visit MyLife - care and support.