From 18 years old, if you need practical help because of a physical or learning disability, or sight or hearing problems, you can ask about getting adult social care to help you.
You may have to contribute towards the cost of your care and support as an adult. We'll first discuss the skills and aspirations you have and then discuss any kind of support you may need.
If you already receive social care services as a young person, speak to your social worker about how they can support you to prepare for adulthood.
If you already have a social worker from Children’s Social Care, you may be allocated a social worker from the Adult Social Care team before you are 18. If you're 18 years old or over and you have no social care practitioner, get in touch with our Adult Social Care team.
Planning for your future
When you reach adulthood, the services we provide may change. This could mean that you’re no longer eligible for the same services, or that more services are needed to support you.
Your family and those working with you will support you to plan for the future. If you have a specialist teacher for autism they may continue to work with you until you leave education, which could be up to 25 years of age.
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or 'My Support Plan', this will record the planning for your future. You complete the first section and we ask you to consider what is important for you for the next 3 to 5 years. Your parents and professionals will use this to help you plan your next steps. Outcomes are agreed jointly to ensure everyone works together to help you achieve your goals.
This should include plans for:
- education
- training
- leisure and friendships
- employment or volunteering
- increased independence
The preparing for adulthood transition planning and support step-by-step process outlines what should happen and when for children aged 13 to 25 in regards to preparing for adulthood.
Also see
Ruth Horner - Preparing for Adulthood co-ordinator
Adult Social Care Community Team
Telephone: 01904 555111, Textphone: 07534 437804
Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team
Contact the Emergency Duty Team for assistance.