Preparing for adulthood
Preparing for adulthood is an important step for young people moving from children’s to adult social care.
This transition starts early to ensure they have the right support to live independently, continue education, find employment, and engage in your community.
When does planning start?
Discussions should begin from Year 9 (ages 13-14) to identify future support needs. Early planning ensures that your goals and support are understood and reviewed well before your 18th birthday.
This transition will happen on your 18th birthday. Until then, you remain with children’s social care. It’s important to start thinking early about this process to help it go as smoothly as possible.
What to expect during the transition
You will have an assessment with an adult social worker. This will look at key areas based on the SEND Preparing for Adulthood outcomes:
- Education and work - what you will do during the day after leaving school. This might include further education, paid or supported employment, volunteering, or other meaningful activities.
- Living independently - supporting you to have choice and control over your life, including decisions about where and how you live, and the support you receive.
- Being part of the community - being part of society, having friends and supportive relationships, and being involved in the local community.
- Health - supporting you to stay as healthy as possible in adult life. This includes annual health checks, access to adult health services, staying active, and managing wellbeing.
Watch this short video to see how SEND Preparing for Adulthood outcomes support and shape your overall care plan.
You can also use our Wellbeing Self - Assessment to explore which services may help with daily living.
Tip: Start learning about finances early - things can change when you turn 18, including how adult social care services are funded and any charges that may apply.
How we support you in Lewisham
We work closely with young people and families to provide:
- advice and information - helping you understand what services are available
- assessment and planning - working with you to identify the right level of support
- support for independent living - guidance on housing, daily skills, and personal care
- access to education and employment - support for learning and work options
- health and wellbeing services - help with navigating healthcare, mental health, and other support needs
Key services in Lewisham
- Adults with Learning Disabilities Team - social workers who specialise in helping young people and adults with learning disabilities navigate support as they transition into adulthood
- Learning Disability Community Health Team - support for people with learning disabilities to access healthcare and community support
- Lewisham Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service - detail/service/lewisham-mental-health-and-learning-disabilities-service-192/ - mental health services for people with learning disabilities, including transition support
Getting started
If you already have a social worker, they will begin talking to you about transition planning.
If you do not yet receive support but you think you might need it, you can request an assessment.
More information
- Lewisham Transitions Pathway Guide
- Lewisham Transitions Pathway Guide - useful information and contacts A-Z
Contact us
Kaleidoscope Child Development Centre, 32 Rushey Green, London, SE6 4JF, tel. 020 7138 1100