Preparing for Adulthood

Children legally become adults at 18, regardless of their needs. It's a time of change and we aim to help everyone plan for, support and recognise a young person's adult status.

For children and young people with a disability, when we talk about Preparing for Adulthood, it means the ‘Transition’ from being a teenager to being an adult, at which point the young person may also move on from using children’s services to adult services.

This is a time when young people gain new rights and responsibilities. Preparing for Adulthood can be an exciting time for young people, full of new opportunities, but it can also be a time of uncertainty so planning is important.

The following video from the Council for Disabled Children gives an introduction of options to consider as you or your child approach adulthood.