Moving to adult social care
Some young people with SEND who live in Walsall will need support from adult social care as they move into adulthood.
The younger adults team (YAT) will work with you and your family to understand your needs and to check whether you are eligible for support under the Care Act 2014.
If you don’t currently have a social worker
Aged 16–17
If you need support immediately, an assessment can be completed by children’s social care.
If your assessment is specifically to prepare for adulthood, this will usually be carried out by the younger adults team.
Aged 18–25
You can request an assessment directly from adult social care.
Please be aware that some adults who receive social care support may be asked to contribute toward the cost of their care.
Find out more about accessing and paying for adult social care.
What happens during the transition to adult social care?
If you are already known to children’s social care
From the age of 14, if you are likely to need support as an adult, you will be referred to the younger adults team. Between the ages of 16 and 18, the team will:
- assess your needs for adulthood under the Care Act
- plan what support you may need when you turn 18
- work with you to ensure support is in place when you turn 18
The team may also involve the enablement service before you turn 18. This will help you build independence skills and increase your opportunities as you approach adulthood.
Joint working
Children’s and adults social care teams will work together to create a person‑centred plan, based on your needs, aspirations and outcomes.
Your support from children’s services will stay in place until you turn 18.
Depending on what you need after that, you may continue to be supported by the younger adults team. This will make sure you get the right help as you move into adulthood.
If you're not already accessing social care
Adult social care can only support you once they receive a formal notification (referral).
A referral can be made by:
- you
- your parent or carer
- your school or education setting
Contact adult social care to make a referral.
From the age of 16, you can request an assessment for adult social care support in preparation for adulthood.
Once they receive the referral, the process is the same as described above:
- assessment
- planning
- support arrangements
Types of support adult social care may explore with you
Assessments and plans consider:
- your strengths
- your wishes and aspirations
- your outcomes for adulthood
- what is important to you and what will keep you safe
Adult social care will work with education and health to take a holistic view of your life as you prepare for adulthood.
Examples of support may include:
- day services
- personal assistants
- support at home
- supported living
- employment or volunteering support
- finding activities that interest you
- support to build skills that help you feel more independent
Provision such as day centres is referral‑based and depends on your assessed needs. Adult social care will help identify the most appropriate options for you.
To access some of the services, an assessment from adult social care would need to take place. This will help identify the most appropriate options for you.
Important information about decision‑making
Parental responsibility ends at age 18.
The Mental Capacity Act applies from age 16 and explains how decisions should be made by or for young people, depending on their capacity.
Decisions for young people who cannot make certain decisions independently will be made in their best interests.