Preparing for adulthood

Easy Read Guide to Becoming an Adult

'Moving On' is the council's Easy Read Guide on preparing for adulthood.

It is for young people to find out about what will change when they become an adult

Click here to download 'Moving On'

What is 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.

What to expect as you are preparing for adulthood – our Preparing for Adulthood Protocol

Please follow this link for our Bi-borough Preparing for Adulthood Protocol, which has been developed in partnership between practitioners from Education, Health and Social Care. The Protocol provides guidance to the workforce across education and social care as they support young people and their families to plan for the transition from childhood to adult life and acts as a guide for young people and parents about what they can expect.

How Do I Prepare For Adulthood?

We start working with young people when they are in Year 9 to plan their move towards adulthood. Families or carers are fully involved in this planning. 

Here are a few things to consider when preparing for adulthood.

Work

What are the pathways for getting a paid job? What support is available to help you achieve it?

Education

What are your options if you want to continue studying at school, college or in the workplace?

Money

Will you need help applying for benefits, budgeting, paying bills or saving?

Getting around

How will you travel around the city? Will you need help using public transport?

Housing

Would you like to live with family, a carer or on your own? Will you need any adaptations?

Health

How will you keep yourself healthy, and make sure you get the right healthcare when you need it?

Activities

What would you like to do in your spare time? Check out what's going on in the borough

Relationships

Want to make new friends, or start dating? Read about relationships and keeping yourself safe

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

Post 16 Education and Employment Pathways Planner

Deciding what to do after leaving school can be a challenging and confusing time. Most of us want to develop our skills and experiences to prepare us to get a job. But what is the best way?

This Pathway Planner has been put together to help you in your journey into work; whether you have never worked before, are returning to work or if you want to develop your skills in preparation for work. Some of the services listed in this directory will help you consider your education, training or work programme options so you can decide which feels right for you, in your journey after leaving school.

Download the Pathway Planner by clicking here. 



 

How Will Support for Parents / Families Change?

When a child reaches adulthood, the way their parents or families are supported will change. To understand your level of needs and what support should be provided, the council will invite you to complete a Carer's Assessment. This is a way that you can let the adult social care team know about your caring responsibilities and how they affect you.

After completion of the Carer's Assessment, the council will let you know what support they are able to offer. It might include training, help with transport, or short breaks away from caring. This will be detailed in a personalised Support Plan.

For more information on Carer's Assessments and the support available to unpaid carers, please visit the People's First website

SEND Employment Pathway Coordinator

Our SEND Employment Pathways Coordinator, Rachel Edwards, is working to develop the range of local employment opportunities that are accessible to young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with the aim of increasing the number of those who enter paid employment. Working with Economy teams, education providers and employers, Rachel will be creating a range of work and training opportunities including; work experience, Traineeships, Supported Internships, Apprenticeships and jobs for young people who aspire to work.

If you’d like to hear more please contact the Local Offer