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.

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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.

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.

The CHC checklist can be done at any point after the 16^th 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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