Getting the skills and support to move into adulthood begins for most people when they are around 13 or 14 years old. It starts off simply with what a young person’s aspirations are and building a plan to help them achieve those goals.
Below are some talking points for you to help you start conversations with your young person about the future.
Age 13 to 14
During Year 9 at school, I need to think about my goals for the future and what I need to achieve them, including:
- What do I want to do in the future?
- Who will be able to help?
- Which services need to be involved?
- Who needs to attend review meetings or send reports?
I may need a continuing health care assessment.
Reviews and those involved will used person centred tools such as a one-page profile.
Age 15
For my next review I need to plan who I want to attend or to send a report and how I want to make my views known.
- What is working?
- Have my goals changed?
- What needs to happen?
- Who needs to help?
- Which providers do I need to visit.
- Do I need a benefits check?
If I have a social worker, ask them about how adults can continue to keep me safe.
Age 16
This could be my final year of school. I will have new rights at then end of year 11. Some decisions need to be made.
- What job I want?
- What skills I need?
- How can I be independent?
- Do I want to stay at school or go to college?
- What support will I have when I am an adult?
If I have health needs, I need an adult CHC checklist.
What decisions can I make for myself and who will make them if I can’t.
Age 17
At my next review, update actions, think about referral to adult social care for assessment and indicative budget to help with my support planning.
If I have health needs, has my paediatrician identified which adult services I might need?
Age 17.5
Questions to ask:
- Has a referral to adult social care been made?
- Has a continuing health care assessment been done?
- Do I need to involve my GP.
- Are my benefits in the right name?
- Will I have a personal budget; who will help with this?
- What further learning do I need?
- Where do I go for signposting and support?
- What eligibility criteria is there, wand what options are available if I am not eligible?
Age 18 to 19
At 18 I am an adult.
Things to consider:
- I may choose a higher education or employment pathway.
- I should check my benefits for entitlements.
- I can use community services to build healthy relationships.
Age 19 to 25
Things to consider:
- I enjoy social time and healthy relationships.
- I have as much as possible.
- I have good health.
- I have fulfilling days, activities, volunteering, employment or training.
