Turning 18: A practical guide to moving from children’s services to adult social care 

Understanding the transition from children’s services to adult social care can help families plan ahead, make informed decisions and feel more confident about the future.

In this guide, we’ll explore what the transition process involves, the support options available, and how to help young people take the next step towards adulthood.

When does the transition process begin?

Although adult services typically begin when a young person turns 18, planning should start much earlier.

Early conversations give everyone involved time to understand a young person’s goals, aspirations and support needs. This can help create a smoother transition and reduce uncertainty for both the young person and their family.

The transition process should focus not only on care and support needs, but also on:

• Education and training

• Employment opportunities

• Housing options

• Health and wellbeing

• Friendships and relationships

• Community participation

• Independence and life skills

The aim is to help the young person build a meaningful adult life that reflects their interests, strengths and ambitions.

What changes when a young person turns 18?

At 18, support usually transfers from children’s services to adult social care services.

While this can sound like a significant change, the goal remains the same: ensuring people receive the support they need to live happy, healthy and meaningful lives.

Adult social care tends to place a stronger focus on:

• Independence

• Choice and control

• Personal goals and outcomes

• Community involvement

• Long-term support planning

Rather than asking “What services are available?”, conversations often focus on “What does a good life look like for this person?”

This person-centred approach helps ensure support is tailored to the individual and their future aspirations.

What support options are available?

There are several options available depending on a person’s needs and circumstances.

Supported living for young adults

Supported living for young adults can provide the opportunity to develop independence while receiving personalised support.

People may live in their own flat, a shared house or another supported living arrangement, with support tailored to their individual needs.

Support may include:

• Personal care

• Managing a home

• Budgeting and finances

• Education and employment support

• Building confidence and independence

• Community participation

Many families find supported living is a positive option for young people who are ready to take greater control of their lives while continuing to receive the right support.

Residential support

For some people, residential support may be the most appropriate option.

Young adults residential care can provide specialist support in a structured and supportive home environment, particularly for people with more complex needs or those who benefit from consistent support throughout the day and night.

Residential support can be particularly beneficial for people with:

• Learning disabilities

• Autism

• Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)

• Acquired brain injuries

• Complex health or behavioural support needs

The right residential home should support people to make choices, pursue goals and remain at the centre of decisions about their lives.

Outreach and community support

Some young people may continue living with family while receiving support through outreach or community-based services.

This can provide flexibility while helping people build skills and confidence before exploring other housing options in the future.

Help for young adults with learning disabilities

The transition into adulthood can feel particularly significant for young people with learning disabilities and their families.

Alongside practical considerations such as housing and funding, families often have questions about:

• Education after school or college

• Employment and volunteering

• Developing independence

• Social opportunities

• Future support arrangements

There is a growing focus across adult social care on helping people achieve outcomes that matter to them, whether that means learning a new skill, building friendships, volunteering, gaining employment or living more independently.

The best support focuses on what a person can do, their goals and the opportunities available to them, rather than simply their support needs.

How families can prepare

No family knows a young person better than the people closest to them.

Preparing for transition often becomes easier when conversations start early and everyone is involved in planning for the future.

Some helpful steps include:

• Starting discussions as early as possible

• Exploring support options in your local area

• Visiting services and meeting support teams

• Speaking with social workers and professionals

• Encouraging the young person to be involved in decisions

• Focusing on future goals and aspirations

Transition is a process, not a single event. It may take time to identify the right support and build confidence in future arrangements.

Questions to ask prospective support providers

If you’re exploring supported living or residential support, consider asking:

• How will my loved one be involved in decision-making?

• How is support personalised?

• What opportunities are there to build independence?

• How are families involved?

• What experience do team members have supporting people with similar needs?

• How are support plans reviewed?

• Can we visit and meet people currently receiving support?

Asking these questions can help families understand whether a service is the right fit for their loved one.

Looking ahead with confidence

Moving from children’s services to adult social care can feel like a significant milestone, but it also creates opportunities for growth, independence and new experiences.

With the right support, young people can continue developing skills, pursuing ambitions and building the future they want for themselves.

At Achieve together, we support many people and families through this important stage of life, helping them explore options that reflect individual needs, preferences and aspirations.

Not sure where to start?

Our team can help you explore the options available and find support that reflects your loved one’s needs and preferences:

Phone: 03301 755 332

Email: info@achievetogether.co.uk

Website: www.achievetogether.co.uk

You can also learn more about our support for people transitioning from children’s services to adult support, as well as our supported living, residential homes and specialist support across Achieve together.