Preparing for adulthood (PfA)

Resources

For more information on support for young people with SEND and their families, visit:

• Local Offer for SEND
• Youth Hub
• Care Leavers Local Offer
• Transitioning to Adult Social Services
• Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) for People with Learning Disabilities
• Young Adults (16-25) Mental Health and Wellbeing Space: Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust
• Best For You NHS

Relevant legislation

Professionals working with young people in the Local Area Partnership should understand the legal framework for transitions. This helps them provide accurate guidance and support informed decisions.

Key legislation and guidance:

• Autism Act, 2009: Addresses the needs of autistic adults.
  ISL079 14 Adult Autism Statutory Guidance Easy Read (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Care Act, 2014: Legal framework for Adult Social Care, promoting wellbeing and independence for disabled adults and older people.
  The Care Act 2014 Easy Read Guide (councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk)
• Children Act, 1989: Ensures care leavers receive support and opportunities, including respite and short breaks for disabled children.
  The Children Act 1989 guidance and regulations (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023: Multi-agency guide for protecting children's welfare, detailing transition planning requirements.
  Working together to safeguard children 2023: statutory guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Children and Families Act, 2014: Reforms services for vulnerable children, impacting adoption, family justice, and SEN needs.
  Young Person's Guide to the Children and Families Act 2014 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• Children and Social Work Act, 2017: Outlines support for Children Looked After and care leavers, and establishes a regulatory regime for social workers.
  An overview of child protection legislation in England - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
• Mental Capacity Act, 2005: Promotes decision-making within a legal framework, including safeguards for those who lack capacity.
  Mental Capacity Act overview.pdf (mencap.org.uk)
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations, 2014: Details duties under the Children and Families Act.
  The Special Educational Needs and Disability Regulations 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice: 0-25, 2014: Guidance for local authorities, health services, and education providers.
  SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
• National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care (July 2022 revised): Sets principles for eligibility and care for individuals with primary health needs.
  National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded Nursing Care - July 2022 (Revised) - corrected May 2023 (publishing.service.gov.uk)