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Everyone needs money to survive and your child is no different. As an adult they will need to manage this themselves if they have the capacity to do so.

Have you considered if they are entitled to any benefits?

Child benefit normally ends at 16 but can continue till 20 if they are in education.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed from age 16 if they have a long-term health condition or disability that affects their daily living or mobility

If your child was born between 2002 and 2011 they should have a 'Child Trust Fund' which will mature on their 18th birthday.

Unless your child withdraws this it will stay in an account which no one else can access.

Child Trust Fund: What happens when your child is 18 - GOV.UK

Don't forget that if you are a carer you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.

If your young person is not living at home they may be entitled to other benefits such as Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

If you are unsure of what might be available the Citizens Advice may be able to help and advise you.

If your child does not have the capacity to manage their own finances you may need to apply to the court of protection for financial deputyship which will enable you to manage these on their behalf.

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When should I start thinking about transition?

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When should I start thinking about transition?

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As soon as possible!

The transition into adulthood can be a stressful and emotional time and there is lots to think about. The earlier you start to think about these changes the better as it gives you time to make sure you and your young person are ready to take this step.

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A young person is considered an adult at 18 and unless they lack capacity will be expected to make their own decisions, however under 18’s can also make their own decisions if they have the capacity to do so.

People should always be supported to make their own decisions if they can do so.

Being unable to make one decision, does not mean they can't make other decisions.

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The Care Act gives a legal framework to assessing a person's care and support needs, this identifies their eligibility for assistance. People receiving care and support, at home or in the community may need to contribute to their care. The Fairer Charging Police, will be explained as part of your care act assessment.

If there is a package of care in place already, from Children's services, they will refer you to the transitions team who are experts on supporting young people into adulthood and ensuring they have the right support moving forward. A referral can be made from age 16 and this allows everything to happen before your young person turns 18.

This assessment considers the individual's current situation, their ability to manage everyday activities, and the impact of their needs on their overall wellbeing. The aim is to help people live as independently as possible and to identify the support they need to achieve their personal outcomes.

As part of this the needs of the carers may also be assessed as their role in supporting the young person is vital.

While the local authority have a duty to carry out this assessment you do have the right to refuse.

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Mental capacity is the ability to make an informed decision based on understanding a situation, the options available, and the consequences of the decision.

There are four principles to assess capacity:

Can the person understand the information relevant to the specific decision

Can they retain that information

Are they able to use or weigh up the information to allow them to make the decision

Can they communicate their decision, this could be by talking, using sign language, pictures, symbols, Makaton or any other means they use to communicate

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Capacity assessments are decision specific so there may need to be several of these done.

There are 5 principles:

· Assume capacity until proved otherwise.

· Support them to make their own decisions. Consider their individual needs; How do they communicate? What can I do to help them understand? Do they need someone to help them?

· Making an unwise decision does not mean they lack capacity! It is their ability to understand the decision they are making which is being assessed.

· When a decision has to be made for a person who lacks capacity it must be made in their ‘Best Interests’.

· Any decision made must be the least restrictive option available after considering their individual rights, other less restricted options must be considered and tried if practical.

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A Best Interests meeting may be held if it has been decided that a young person lacks capacity and there are decisions to be made. These should:

Be multi-agency, including everyone involved in their care.

Include families so that their view is considered, this could be parents, siblings or anyone who supports them.

Consider a professional independent advocate to help them to understand their rights and the choices available.

Allow different opinions to be discussed.

Be open, honest, and supportive to ensure the best choices are made.

If there is disagreement on what is in the best interests of the person it may be necessary to apply to the Court of Protection for a desicion to be made.

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Court of Protection and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

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Court of Protection and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards

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The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) only apply from age 18 however from age 16 if the care package is restrictive then it should be taken to the court of protection to agree that this is in the best interests of the young person.

The court will decide if the person lacks capacity and may appoint a deputy to act on behalf of the person in the future. This person must give ongoing assurance to the court that this person is working in the best interests of the person.

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The Continuing Health Care (CHC) checklist is a screening tool used to determine if someone needs a full assessment for CHC funding and will be done if health needs are identified. Sometimes there are needs which have previously been covered by a social care package in children’s services which fall under health in adults. This can come as a surprise to some families and can lead to things taking a little longer to fall into place, which is why it is important the process is started in good time.

The CHC checklist can be done at any point after the 16th birthday, a school nurse or children’s community nurse who knows your child will often be the person who will complete this with you and if you have a social worker they are often involved with this too.

It assesses an individual's needs across 12 key areas, and a positive result indicates a need for a full assessment.

The checklist assesses needs across 12 key areas, including breathing, nutrition, continence, skin, mobility, communication, psychological and emotional needs, cognition, behaviour, drug therapies and medication, altered states of consciousness, and other significant care needs.

If you have healthcare needs as a child it is likely that this will continue into adulthood.

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It is not always possible for everything to stay the same when you move from children's services to adult services. This is one of the reasons why the transition period is so important, not only for the young person concerned but also the team around them, which obviously includes parents.

Depending on who provides the care it may be that it can just continue as it is, unfortunately this is not always the case, for example some children’s providers do not work with adults, but if this is the case the reasons should be explained to you and a plan regarding a change of provider will be made with you. There should not be any break in the care being available as the package you already have should continue until any new provider is in place.

During this time there are assessments which need to be done, these could include; a capacity assessment, a care act assessment (by adult social care) and a continuing health care checklist. Together these will form a clear picture of what is needed as a young person moves into adulthood.

It is vital that the young person's voice is heard wherever possible in this process and the parents views will also be considered. Sometimes it is necessary for an advocate to be involved to help with this.

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An advocate can help you or your young person express their views and participate in making decisions.

They will help you to ensure your voice is heard and you have access to the services you need.

They are normally independent of any service and are focused on the individual.

Not everyone one wants or needs this help but it can be useful for young people who want to be involved in making decisions for themselves but struggle to express their own needs, especially in a stressful situation.

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We are the advocacy people

As an independent charity, all of the services we provide are free and confidential .

We all know how hard it can be when we don't feel listened to, when what's important to us isn't taken seriously by others, or we just don't have the words to say what we really feel or want.

It can be even more difficult when decisions are being made about our health and social welfare.

We're The Advocacy People and we can help. We'll take time to understand your situation, explore the options and help you decide what you want to do and how you want to do it. We can give you as much or as little support as you want to put your views across.

We won't judge you, tell you what to do or take over things when you can do them yourself: it's your life and you deserve to be heard.

The areas in which we currently provide services are shown on the map below. Click on any highlighted area on the map to see which services we provide in that area.

For an alternative list of areas we provide services in, click here.

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We are The Advocacy People, a charity which helps you in accessing mental health services, nhs complaints or social care services.

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This website lists some resources which may be helpful when considering the future.

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Our factsheets, FAQS and templates give valuable information about you and your family members’ legal rights.

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If your child or young people has special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) they can access support up to the age of 25 years.

Have a look at the local offer for young adults here: Preparing for adulthood - Plymouth Online Directory

If you need further support you could also contact Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND. - Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Another resource you might find helpful

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This document is produced by the children's hospice and may be useful.

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Transition to adult services: A guide for parents - Together for Short Lives

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Making a lifetime of difference for children with short lives

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Carers need care too and sometimes you need to look for support outside your own family.

Consider the need for a carer's assessment to see what help you may be able to access. You might also wish to join a support group or attend a drop in session. The attached link will give you some ideas of what might be available for you.

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Caring for Carers - Improving Lives Plymouth

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A supported internship is a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with learning difficulties, disabilities, or special educational needs (SEND), who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

The internships are designed to help children and young people get ready for work by offering hands-on experience, skills training and support in the workplace. A Job Coach will provide one to one support for the intern during their time at work. The internship runs for up to 12 months.
Who can get involved? What to expect?
Tailored work placement within any of the following sectors:

Interns will continue learning other skills that will support them with their work placement through a bespoke study programme with On Course South West.

This will include English and maths, as well as other subjects that are selected to help the intern gain the necessary skills to secure paid employment in the future.

A Job Coach will support the intern during their time at work, helping them learn the role, communicate with colleagues, and will assist with any problems that arise.

Supported Internships are designed to help children and young people transition into sustained paid employment. Individualised coaching and mentoring promotes confidence, independence and autonomy in the interns to ensure they are fully prepared for long term employment.
When can I get involved? The next intake is:
Contact the team today to find out more!

Your Future team
Lauren Parker-Smith - Lead Project Tutor
Vicki Pinder - Lead Project Tutor

T: 01752 660713

E: yourfuture@oncoursesouthwest.co.uk

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Your Future - Supported Internships - On Course South West

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A supported internship is a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with learning difficulties, disabilities, or special educational needs (SEND), who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The internships are designed to help children and young people get ready for work by offering hands-on experience, skills training and support in the workplace.

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Learning Disability Services - Employment

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Learning Disability Services - Employment support offers you tailored assistance to enhance your employability.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Supplying you with information, advice and support

Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND (PIAS) provides information, advice and support relating to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for parents, carers, children and young people within the Plymouth Local Authority area.

PIAS provides parents, carers of children and young people with SEND and also the children and young people independently with:

support at meetings

support around education and training issues.

Information provided is impartial and confidential. For more information please see our:

Introduction to PIAS

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND. - Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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University Hospitals Plymouth have created an app to support people with a learning disability so they can inform hospital staff of their needs, likes and dislikes and any other details that might affect their care.

To download the app, search for “Hospital Passport” on your phones app store Android or visit: Apple Also see the learning disability service guides.

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This information is for patients who may make use of our learning disability service.

The Hospital Passport App Version

The hospital passport app can be downloaded on a smart device like a smart phone or tablet. Please click the pictures below - there are two guides to help you register the app and plan your hospital passport password.

Learning Disability Hospital Passport Paper Version

Please click this link for guidance on completing the hospital passport.

Hospital Passport Add-ons:

If you have a learning disability and need to give more information about Epilepsy, Autism, mental health or how to help when in pain - you can add these pages to your hospital passport.

Coronavirus Update & Hospital Passport

Hospital Communication Book

The Hospital Communication Book is a useful tool for use with anyone who has difficulties with communication. The book is available from the Clear Communication website. You can download the PDF or print off a version from this link.

Learning Disability Team Poster

Click here to download the Learning Disability Team Poster

National Austistic Society Hospital Passport

The National Autistic Society have made a hospital passport which can be used by people who are on the autistic spectrum.
Click here to download the hospital passport
Click here to download the guidance notes

If you are Autistic without a Learning Disability please the Derriford Autism Service's webpage.

The All Stars Theatre Group "Help them to help you"

This is a film made by adults with Learning Disabilities for Adults with Learning Disabilities to give advice and guidance on a range of topics.

Click here to watch a video about the Hospital Passport

Complain for Change

This Easy Read leaflet explains what to do if you want to complain about the service you have received from a doctor, hospital, dentist or optician in the NHS in England. Click here to read the leaflet.

All easy read leaflets can be found by clicking on this picture

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster Easy Read

Coronavirus guidance by Photosymbols

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Information for patients of the Learning Disability Service

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This information is for patients who may make use of our learning disability service. The hospital passport app can be downloaded on a smart device like a smart phone or tablet. Please click the pictures below - there are two guides to help you register the app and plan your hospital passport password.

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The Graduated Approach is the process followed to ensure a rich and inclusive offer for all children and young people.

It works to overcome barriers to learning and allow everyone to reach their full potential.

Most children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities have support in their environment and classrooms through the universal inclusive approach.

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GATI stands for the Graduated Approach To Inclusion. In Plymouth, we believe in the power of inclusion—where every child, regardless of their background or needs, has the opportunity to thrive in education.

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Preparing for Adulthood—Parent Group Sign-up

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Preparing for Adulthood—Parent Group Sign-up

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In partnership with other agencies, including Education, Social Care and Health providers; the parent group runs regularly to provide opportunities for networking, information, advice and support for parents and young people.

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Ambitious about Autism is an online platform for autistic young people aged 16-25.

The networking is a safe and moderated online space to help young people understand their autistic identity and connect with others.  Young people will be able to:

Find volunteering, work experience and apply for upcoming paid opportunities

Sign up and access peer support sessions Receive updates from groups and panels

Work together to campaign for change  Instant message other Youth Network members

Access a live feed of information

For more details visit: Join Ambitious Youth Network

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Deputyship allows someone to make decisions on behalf of another person if they do not have the mental capacity to make those decisions for themselves. Deputies are appointed by the Court of Protection and there are costs involved in setting this up. However you may be able to get help with these fees in certain circumstances.

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PPCV is Plymouth’s official parent carer forum. They are a group of volunteer parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). They work in partnership with the local authority, to help shape and improve the range of services in education, health and social care for families in the Plymouth area.

PPCV brings parents and carers in Plymouth and the surrounding area together to give them the voice in the services that they use.

If you would like to join PPCV just click on the link above, they have lots of resources which you might find useful.

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Join PPCV Join Us Click below to become a member of Plymouth PCV as a Parent Carer or Professional Third […]

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Annual Review - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Young People Support - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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From age 14 young people with a learning disability are entitled to an annual health check with their GP. These can be important to help make the GP surgery a place where they feel comfortable and not a place to be feared.

Often during childhood everything is handled via the hospital and the GP is not somewhere they go often.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Annual Health Checks - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Post 16 Support - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Personal Budgets - Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND.

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Plymouth Information Advice and Support for SEND., Supplying you with information, advice and support

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Careers tools and advice | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

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Careers advice has never been more important

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Preparing for Adulthood: Employment resources | NDTi

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Employment resources created as part of the delivery of the Preparing for Adulthood programme and other projects.

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Learning Disability Services - Employment

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Learning Disability Services - Employment support offers you tailored assistance to enhance your employability.