 Choices and planningÂ
This section aims to support young people and their families to understand the types of decisions they'll face when growing up and transitioning into adulthood.
This page defines what preparing for adulthood means and what to expect as a young person approaches their teenage years and beyond, as well as links to EHCPs and annual reviews.
What is preparing for adulthood?
When a young person turns 14 years old, transition planning starts, as conversations begin about plans for growing up and what the young person would like to do.
If a young person has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), planning will start in their year
9 transition review at school, and each year the transition plan will be updated. This will
be arranged by the school or college.
​
There will be lots of changes happening in a young person's life at this point and over the next few years. This is all part of growing up and can create many emotions, both positive and negative. But don't worry, there are lots of people who can provide support and help individuals and families to better understand these changes.
​
Some of the things a young person will need to consider when growing up, include:
-
Education – What do you want to learn?
-
Employment/Volunteering – What are you interested in? What do you need to do to get ready to do this? How can other people help you get ready?
-
Hobbies – What do you want to do in the community? What are the things you'd like to do in your daily life?
-
Living – Where will you live?
-
Health and support – What help do you need to stay healthy?
Making decisions
At 16 years old, the law says an individual has the right to make decisions about their life. It is important that family, carers, teachers and other people who are paid to help, share information so that young people can make informed decisions.
​
If people think that an individual is not able to make an informed decision, then a best interest meeting will make sure the right decisions are made.
Advocacy groups can help individuals to gain skills to make decisions. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) is the law all about making decisions - click here for more information.
Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
The Education, Health and Care needs assessment may result in an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan being issued. The plan says what kind of support that child or young person needs, and how that support will be provided. Find out more by clicking here, or on the button below.
More support
Sometimes a young person may need more support than you can arrange and this is when Northumberland County Council may be able to help.
​
If the young person you are caring for is under 25 years and you need help with learning
or a disability, the Northumberland Information, Advice and Support Service (NIASS) can provide information and advice. Email the NIASS team by clicking here.
​
If you already have support from Children Services, they will discuss moving into adulthood with you and the young person, and what support they may need at this time. This may
include support from Adult Services.
​
Adult Social Care is about promoting independence and will aim to make a young person as independent as possible. The type of service a young person received in Children's Services, may not be the same type of service in Adult Services. Children’s and Adults’ Social care can
be contacted on 01670 536 400.
​
If you have health needs, the people helping you will talk to you about moving into adult health services if you need them. Speak to your Doctor, Nurse or Therapist to talk about what will happen to your health support as you turn 18.
Useful contacts
You'll find a range of useful contacts for young people, parents/carers and families on pages 22-24 of the 'Growing up in Northumberland' brochure.
Download a copy of the 'Growing up in Northumberland' brochure by clicking here or by clicking on the image of the front cover.