Guidance for family carers and their young people
Leaving school or college and becoming an adult is an exciting time for most young people, but for young people with learning disabilities and their families it can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. This stage which starts around 14 years of age, is often referred to by services as ‘transition’
Disabled children and their families are dependent on many different services and agencies for support. We often have to think ahead and plan for the future in a way that other families don’t have to.
As families we are often unclear about what happens in this stage of our children’s life – who should be doing what and when and what is our role in the process. We can worry about what choices will be available in education, training, work and housing and what support will our children have when they become an adult. The whole process can seem complex and overwhelming at times, with new jargon to understand and new systems to navigate.
The ‘Moving into Adulthood and Getting a Life’ guides are written by and for families of young people with learning disabilities. However, some of the information in them may be helpful for families with adults moving out of their family home.
To view and download a Guide select the image contained within the title description:
Getting started
This guide is the start of preparing you and your family member as they move into adulthood. It gives an introduction to person centred thinking, planning and approaches which underpin the Year 9 and Year 11 Reviews and the Education, Health and Care Plan.
Money Matters
In this guide we look at what government benefit changes happen when a person with a disability reaches the age of 16, and what legal options there are to support and protect their finances.
Finding the Right Support
In this guide we look at what good support is for your family members and all the different options there are such as living in a family home, in their own home with support provided from a support provider.
Becoming an Adult
In this guide we look at the Mental Capacity Act and how to support your family member to make decisions.
Social Life, Having Fun, Friends and Relationships
In this guide we look at the things you can do to ensure that your son or daughter stays in touch with the people who are important to them in their lives and make new friends. We discuss sex education, relationships and keeping people safe.
In the last chapter we will look at Circles of Support and how friends and family can work together to support people to live the lives they wish.
Filling in the ‘All About Me’ section in an in the Education Health and Care Plan
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were introduced in 2014 to replace Statements of Special Education Needs (SEN) as part of the Governments SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) reforms. This Guide explains how parents can fill in Section A of the Plan which in Oxfordshire is called – All About Me.
