Young people's transition from children's services to adults' services

Healthwatch County Durham undertook research on young people’s transition from children’s services to adult health and social care services. The research was carried out between June and November 2018 and included an online survey, face-to-face engagement and discussions with relevant organisations. Healthwatch received 89 survey responses from young people with additional needs and their parents or carers, as well as feedback from a focus group involving four young carers. 

The research found that awareness and understanding of the transition process was low. Around 71% of respondents were unaware of any system to support transition, 80% of those yet to transition had not met anyone from children’s services to discuss the move, and 92% had not met anyone from adult services. Most respondents did not have a named professional to support them, and the majority of parents and carers felt unsupported during the process.

Young people and families described transition as inconsistent, poorly coordinated and often requiring parents to chase information themselves. Common concerns included a lack of communication, uncertainty about available support, and fears about a “cliff edge” at age 18 when services changed. Young carers stressed the importance of starting transition planning by ages 13-14, having a named worker, regular review meetings and opportunities to meet adult service staff before transferring. 

Healthwatch concluded that transition pathways needed significant improvement and recommended that young people be placed at the centre of a well-planned, integrated process. Key recommendations included implementing NICE transition standards, appointing a transition coordinator, improving joint working between children’s and adult services, providing accessible information about transition, and ensuring young people have ongoing support before, during and after moving to adult services.