Guide to preparing for adulthood
19 to 25 years old
Education, training and employment
Your education / training will come to an end during this time.
Employment options
It is important that you continue to look at all employment options.
Job Centre Plus has Disability Employment Advisors who can tell you more about how young people with SEND can be supported.
You can apply for Access to Work if you have a disability or health condition that makes it hard for you to do parts of your job.
Continuing education
If you are continuing your education, you should think about how your education is going to help you progress and achieve your future goals.
Friendship, relationships and community
You should continue thinking about your social group, and how you will make arrangements to keep in touch with your friends in future.
Speak to your social worker or Early Help worker if you need support or help with:
- accessing local services
- travelling / getting out when you would like to, either on your own, with friends, or with support
- using a telephone, mobile, email, and social networking sites
- using public transport and learning to drive
Carer's assessments
If you or your family need any extra support, you can contact the Let's Talk Team to find out about what is available, including a carer's assessment.
Developing independence
Support for when you turn 25
Speak to your lead professional about what will happen when you turn 25, or if you no longer need support services.
You should develop a plan for when the support to help you prepare for adulthood is no longer available.
Education / training
You will have finished your education / training at some point before you turn 25.
Housing / accommodation
Speak about housing options and where you want to live in future, and what support you will need.
Good health
Your health and wellbeing
Continue having your Annual Health Check if you are eligible.
You should make sure you understand how to keep healthy.
If you have long-term or complex health needs
If you have long-term or complex health needs, you may have a Health Lead who supports you with co-ordinating your care needs.
They should be invited to your Annual Reviews meetings.
With your consent, services should share information and reports with the professionals who support you, to make sure you are getting the support you need.
If you need to visit the hospital
If you need to visit the hospital, you can get support whilst you are there. You can complete a care passport, or ask someone to do this for you.
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan
Each Annual Review will look at whether the special educational support and services provided through your EHCP are necessary for you to progress towards the agreed outcomes in your plan.
The plan will not automatically remain in place until you are 25 years old.
The plan should be ceased (stopped) when:
- all outcomes within the plan have been met, or
- you are no longer in formal learning or training.
An exit plan should be developed to make sure there is support available for you and your family if the plan is ceased (stopped).
This should include information about:
- looking for employment
- continuing to study in higher education, and
- support for your health and social care needs.
If you are a care leaver
If you are leaving care in South Tyneside, the Council will give you support until you are 25.
This is known as the Care Leavers' Local Offer.
You can also talk to your personal advisor if you need any extra support.