One of the major changes in a young person’s life can be moving from children’s services and to adult services (also known as transitioning). It is therefore important that the transition is a planned, gradual process that starts from when the young person is 14 years old.

A named worker will help create a personalised plan, or transition plan, focusing on goals like work, independent living, social life, and health. This plan involves various healthcare professionals, family members, with the young person at the centre of the planning process. Our aim is to make sure that the young person and their carer/family, experience a smooth, coordinated process. This is to prevent anxiety and to reduce stress as much as possible.

What happens after a referral is made?

If the person with a learning disability is known to our children’s disability teams, or attends a special education school, the Adult Learning Disability Service will receive a referral before the young person is 18 years old. This allows time for services and support to be in place when the young person turns 18.

Individuals who are referred to our service will receive an assessment of need, which may include input from social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy staff.

The assessment will identify the individual’s needs, and the key worker will work in partnership with the individual and their family to agree how these needs can be met.

From this assessment, a care plan will be developed. The care plan will be reviewed yearly, or sooner if required.

If the person with a learning disability has a carer, a carer’s assessment will also be offered to them.