Many of the strategies and approaches detailed in the School Age section will continue to be appropriate when working with young people post 16. The following links explore strategies for the following areas of need:
It is important that every young person is thinking about, planning and preparing for adulthood.
The term “Preparing for Adulthood” is used to describe the process of moving from childhood into adult life. It is used by professionals to describe the changes in services when a child becomes an adult and usually begins in Year 9.
However, this transition can happen at different times for different families.
Some families may feel their children are not ready for adulthood but that is what the transition process is for; to help build those steppingstones for young people to prepare them for the move from school or college to a successful and independent adult life, whether this is into Further Education, employment, Supported Internship / Employment, training or volunteering.
Preparing for Adulthood means planning for:
- Further Education and / or Employment
- Independent Living
- Participating in Society (friendships / relationships and contributing to the local community)
- Being Healthy.
During transition there will be changes in the support that is offered. There will also be emotional changes to go through as the young person starts the journey to becoming more independent. As well as leaving school and perhaps going to college or training, young people will be making new friends, starting new relationships, and maybe thinking about where they want to live.
These decisions and changes can be both exciting and challenging.
If a young person has a learning disability, making this transition can be even more complicated. There may be a number of different agencies involved in supporting the transition including health, social care and education services and these will all change as the young person approaches adulthood. In addition, these changes may happen at different times, and it can be challenging to ensure that they are joined up.
Information and guidance on post 16 support, employment options and pathways can be found at: