Social and Health care transitions

What to expect when you turn 18

When you turn 18, you'll move to adult health and social care services. This transition can feel overwhelming for you and your family. 

You may have worked with the same support team for years, so it's natural to feel uncertain about moving on. You might also worry about gaps in your care.

If you have an education, health and care plan (EHC plan), it will continue to include health and social care support until the plan ends.

Moving to adult health services

Health services work differently for adults than they do for children. 

Here are some key changes you might notice:

• you'll probably have a completely new healthcare team—only your GP practice will stay the same. If you move away from home, even your GP may change
• the way healthcare professionals work together will be different, with a new team structure
• adult services may lack coordination. Unlike paediatric services that integrate healthcare, therapy, and social care
• your role in your healthcare will change. You will start making more decisions for yourself, and at some point, you may attend appointments without your parents
• your parents can help you prepare by letting you take on more responsibility in healthcare appointments. For example, you could start by asking questions during your check-ups

Your GP will remain your primary point of contact. Contact them if you have any questions regarding this transition. Additionally, you can read our resources on Health, wellbeing and relationships. 

Moving to adult social care services

Once you turn 18, you will be classed as an adult. You will move to adult social care services if you've had children's social care support.

Under the Care Act 2014, we will continue to support you through Children's Services until Adult Social Care has assessed your needs and decided what support they will provide.

This should mean you don't have a gap in care. However, because these decisions can take time, it's important to start preparing early—ideally from age 14 (Year 9).

We will assess your support needs in adulthood and provide information about our adult social care services.

More support for moving into adulthood

• The Youth Hub has advice and guidance for young people who are moving into adulthood. It has been co-produced and approved by the SEND Youth Forum, and you can find information about many topics, including managing money, living independently, friendship and routes into employment.
• Oxfordshire Family Support Network (OxFSN) has created a Moving into Adulthood Handbook for families of young people with learning disabilities aged between 14 – 25 who have education, health and care plans (EHCP’s). Some of the information contained in it may also apply to other young people with additional learning needs and those with physical impairments (alone) and/or sensory impairments who need SEN Support.
• This free training has been developed to help parent carers think about Preparing for Adulthood for young people with additional needs. The course considers what needs to happen to ensure that young people who transition from children’s services to adult services do so in a thoughtful and supportive way.