Transition into adulthood

Brief outline

• Education – Transition Planning from Year 9/14 Years Old

  From Year 9 onwards, young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) should begin transition planning to prepare for life beyond school. This includes identifying future goals around education, employment, independent living, health, and community participation. Planning must be person-centred, with clear outcomes that reflect the young person’s aspirations and needs. It’s also important that young people are supported to contribute to these plans, and that their EHCP is updated accordingly.

• Health – Annual Health Checks from age 14

  The transition from child to adult health services usually happens between ages 16 and 18. During this time, responsibility typically moves from a Paediatrician to a GP. All young people with learning disabilities, including those aged 14–17, are entitled to an Annual Health Check with their GP – a helpful step in building a relationship before the full transition to adult healthcare. Not all GPs do Annual Health Checks for people with learning disabilities, but they should be able to provide details of other GPs in the area who offer this service.

  To access this, the young person should be added to their GP’s Learning Disability Register (LDR) – this is separate from the social care Disability Register and registration is not automatic.

  Being on the LDR ensures the GP is aware of any additional needs and can make appropriate adjustments.

• Planning for Post-16 Education - Year 10/Age 15

  All young people must stay in education or training until age 18, so it’s important to start planning early – ideally from Year 10. Families are encouraged to visit post-16 providers, speak with SENCOs, and explore available courses and support options.

  Schools must offer impartial careers advice from Year 8 onwards, and your young person should speak to a career’s advisor. In addition to the Year 10 EHCP annual review meeting, there will also need to be a phase transfer review meeting.

• Education – Year 11/Age 16

  Young people with learning disabilities often need tailored post-16 pathways. In Year 11, schools should help families plan next steps, including college applications, transition visits, and updating the EHCP through a transfer review.

  Parents should also check local transport policies early, as post-16 transport is not automatically provided and may require a contribution.

• Decision Making from Age 16

  From the age of 16, the law assumes that people can make their own decisions unless it’s shown that they are unable to do so.

  Young people should be supported to understand their choices using communication that works for them.

• Social Care – Transition Planning from Age 16/17

  If your young person is likely to need care after age 18, the local authority should carry out a transition assessment before then. This helps plan future support and ensures a smooth handover from children’s to adult services.

  Assessments usually happen between ages 16 and 17, but can be earlier for those with complex needs.

  After the assessment, the local authority must explain which needs are likely to qualify for adult care. If they don’t meet the threshold, they must still offer advice on local support options.

• Health – Consent and Decision-making from Age 16

  From age 16, young people are legally presumed to have the capacity to make their own medical decisions. Parents can only give consent on their behalf if the young person cannot consent for themselves.

  If a young person cannot make a decision, healthcare professionals will act in their best interests and should involve family members in the process where possible.

  After 18, parents or carers can only make medical decisions if they have legal authority through a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or Deputyship.

  Young people should be supported with accessible information and reasonable adjustments to help them make their own decisions wherever possible.

• Benefits from Age 16

  When your child turns 16, some benefits may change. If they receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the DWP will contact you and invite them to apply for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

  You’ll be asked whether they need an appointee to manage their benefits and to provide bank details for future payments.

  Being an appointee only allows you to manage benefits—it does not give you legal authority, like power of attorney or deputyship.

• Education – Age 18+

  It’s important for young people to consider whether further education is the right choice and what it will lead to. While young people with an EHCP can stay in education until age 25, this isn’t guaranteed.

  The local authority must see evidence of progress, not repetition, and can stop the plan if outcomes have been met. Where an EHCPs is maintained, it must continue to be reviewed at least annually and focus on helping the young person move toward employment, independent living, or other next steps.

  Start exploring education, training, employment, or care options at least a year before they are due to leave their current setting.

• Adult Social Care – 18yrs+

  At 18, young people can be assessed for adult social care to support daily living, wellbeing, and independence. Eligibility depends on their care needs and impact on wellbeing.

  If eligible, they receive a care plan outlining support and funding. A financial assessment determines if they contribute to costs. Disability-related expenses must be considered.

  For complex health needs, NHS Continuing Healthcare may cover costs.

• Adult Health – 18yrs+

  Healthcare and consent

  People with learning disabilities are entitled to the same NHS care as everyone. Services must make reasonable adjustments like easy-read letters, longer appointments, or quieter waiting areas.

  Making medical decisions

  From 18, adults are assumed to make their own medical decisions unless evidence suggests otherwise.  This can vary by situation.

  Parents don’t automatically have the right to decide for adult children. They can:

  • Be involved in best interests decisions if the person lacks capacity
  • Apply for Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for health and welfare if the person over 18 understands what is means to award someone decision-making powers

  If no family can help, an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) is involved.

  Healthcare costs

  Prescriptions are free for under-19s in full-time education or those on specific means-tested benefits. Over 19, they may need to apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme for help with costs.

• Managing Money and Benefits – 18yrs+

  At 18, young people legally take control of their finances. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) says anyone over 16 is presumed able to make their own decisions unless proven otherwise. This includes managing money.

  Capacity doesn’t mean understanding everything – just enough to make an informed choice with support if needed.

  If your child can’t manage their money:

  • Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): If they do have capacity, they can give someone legal power to manage their finances.

  • Deputyship: If they do not have capacity, you can apply to the Court of Protection to make financial decisions on their behalf. This has costs and ongoing fees.