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

Healthwatch County Durham carried out a series of different engagement methods to gather the views and experiences of young people with additional needs and of their parents/carers when they transition from Children’s Services to Adult Health and Social Care Services. This included an online survey and face to face engagement with relevant groups and received 89 responses.

The results of the report show that most of the respondents were unaware of any system for the transition. They felt 13 to 16 years would be a good age to start the transition and that any literature (e.g. leaflets, website) about what to expect during the transition would be a good idea.

Most young people and their parents/carers, who had or hadn’t transitioned, did not meet with anyone from Children's Services or Adults’ Services team to talk about the move and did not know of any named person (e.g. nurse, consultant, social worker) who can help with the move. Majority felt it would be a good idea to meet professionals at least once a year to talk about the move. They also reported they did not feel supported by professionals during the transition process.

The report made several recommendations for commissioners and service providers to consider. They advised implementing the NICE Quality Standard QS140 (2016) ‘Transition from children’s to adults’ services’ for all transition pathways’; to appoint a Transition Coordinator and establish a multi-agency steering group that includes Adult Services; having an integrated approach to commissioning services adopted jointly by Children’s and Adults’ Services; for the two services to plan the transition together; availability of easily accessible information including a website.