{{ root_page.title }}
Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)
What does it mean?
The term preparing for adulthood (PfA) is used to describe the transition from childhood into adult life.
Although this can be an exciting time, there can be some challenges, particularly for young people with SEND and it is therefore important that time is given to plan and support the process fully.
Usually there are a range of professionals involved in this process to help support the transition.
These professionals are usually from services such as:
- education
- health
- social care
Am I known to them?
Havering Council has a Preparing for Adulthood Team.
The team is made up of:
- social workers for children and adults
- specialist education staff
- health staff
If you have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) the Preparing for Adulthood Team will support you.
From the annual review at Year 9 and every review after, the EHC plan should have a focus on preparing for adulthood. The plan should grow and develop as you learn new skills and achieve your outcomes. Outcomes should be ‘ambitious and stretching’.
Professional support can help you identify your aspirations and the outcomes you want for the future in relation to these areas:
- Continuing education, training or getting a job
- Living independently
- Having friends and participating in the local community
- Being as healthy as possible
In theory an EHC plan can remain in place until you are 25 years old. The EHC plan will only remain in place however, after age 19, where there are education or training outcomes in the plan, which have not yet been achieved.
In addition, under section 58 of The Care Act 2014 social services must carry out a child's needs assessment if they think you might have significant care and support needs when you reach the age of 18.
The purpose of the assessment is to understand what your needs are now and what your needs are likely to be after the age of 18 so that plans can be made to make sure you get the right support when you need it.
The timing of this can be flexible as long as this happens ahead of your 18th birthday – there should be no gaps in support or services provided.
If you have an education, health and care (EHC) plan in place the assessment might take place as part of an annual review of your plan.
Support Services
Havering’s Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Service
Preparing for Adulthood Programme
The Preparing for Adulthood Programme offers support with:
- employment
- good health
- independent living
- friends, relationships and inclusion
To find out more, you can contact the team via:
'Transition to Adulthood Guide' - The Down's Syndrome Association
In response to demand from young people themselves and their parents/ carers who are struggling to navigate their young person's transition to adulthood, the Down’s Syndrome Association has created a ‘Transition to Adulthood Guide’.
The guide outlines the various changes in policy and rights, across education, health, care and benefits and the processes that need to be navigated, providing signposts to useful resources.
Although the guide has been written for young people with Down’s Syndrome, large parts of this guide contain information which also applies to young people with other special educational needs.
To access the guide please click on the following link: Transition to Adulthood Guide