Transitional Planning for young people

We are committed to supporting young people preparing for change, and for parents and carers of young people aged 14-26 who have additional support needs of any kind. 

Most young people moving on from school and into adulthood can be supported through the school’s routine arrangements. However, for some young people, additional planning is required at an earlier stage. Those who do require an enhanced level of transition support will be identified at age 14 and/or 2 years prior to expected school leaving date and a transition planning meeting will be arranged.

Depending on the level of need and expected support required discussions will take place centring on: “The Right Help, at The Right Time, In the Right Place” as set out in the strategy for the learning provision for children and young people with complex additional support needs 2017-2026.

Language around complex and non-complex needs will be used and you may hear us discuss eligibility criteria for support. When discussing complex and non-complex needs we are encouraged to consider the level of complexity required when planning for the young persons future. Eligibility criteria for support is referring to adult social works criteria when exploring Self-directed Support.

It is essential that young people and their families are well informed and central to all planning and decision making throughout the transition process. SLC aim to follow the “Principles of Good Transitions” as set out by Achieving Real Change (ARC) Scotland. 

The same organisation has developed the Compass tool (www.compass.arcscotland.org.uk) for transition which can be used by young people, parents, carers and agencies to support the process of transition and manage discussions around how to manage this very significant time in a young persons life.

The pathway for transitions is currently under review and SLC are developing multi agency guidance for young people, their parents and carers to refer to when navigating this very important stage. Partners involved in supporting the review of transitions include:

• Children and Justice social work teams
• Adult and Older social work teams
• Continuing Care and Aftercare Team
• Family Connections
• Education resources
• Health