Helping young people with care needs become adults

Known as ‘transition’, this period can be a time of new opportunities and increased independence, but also difficulties as young people move on from familiar people, services and places.

Wandsworth Council has made a commitment to ensuring transitions are timely, smooth and meet the needs and aspirations of children as they grow into young adults and councillors met recently to check on progress. Read the committee paper.

Work will include improving the way the council works with partners such as health services, supporting young people to find jobs and homes, and improving the information available to young people and their families. The above video has been made to explain the transitions journey to young people and carers. This is narrated by young people who have gone through the transition period, and contact information is given of the teams and people young people are likely to work with. 

A handy guide to Transition pathways has also been created and is available on the council’s website.

Cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Will Sweet said: “Our aim is to help young people and their families prepare for adulthood and to support and guide them to achieve their aspirations and goals. 

“We want our young people to be independent and we want families and carers to be able to make choices that are right for them.  This what the transitions journey is about - providing a supportive and caring network to help young people move to the next stage of their life.” 

Find out more about available support for children with SEND and their families on the Wandsworth Local Offer site.