Preparing for adulthood describes the process of moving from childhood into adult life. Sometimes this is called a 'transition'.

We can offer a range of support to young people for when they turn 18. If you're already supported by our children’s social care service, we'll start to work with you earlier to identify your longer term goals and how we can support you once you become 18.

We can support young people in different ways including:

• attending key meetings, such as education, health and care plan (EHCP) reviews
• helping you complete a social care assessment
• linking you with local services that can help you achieve your goals

You can read our leaflet about children's transition to adult care services and about how we help young people prepare for adulthood in our SEND Strategy.

Voices of young people

If you're under 18

If you're under 18 and already known to our children's social care service, they'll speak to you  along with your parents or carers about your transition into adulthood. With your consent, the service will make a referral for you to our preparing for adulthood team. When we receive your referral we'll decide how quickly you need support. Find out what happens whilst you're waiting for support.

If you're under 18 but not already known to our children's social care service, you can ask for an assessment of your needs by calling 01226 772423 or emailing mash@barnsley.gov.uk. Either you, your parent or carer, or a professional working with you can request an assessment. Find out more about children's social care assessments.

If you're aged 18 to 25

If you're aged 18 to 25, our adult social care service can complete an assessment of your needs. You can either ask for this yourself, or your parent, carer, or a professional working with you can request this by calling 01226 773300 or emailing adultsocialservices@barnsley.gov.uk.

As part of your adult social care assessment, a preparing for adulthood worker will arrange to visit you, your family and carers, and will speak with professionals who are involved in your care. We'll discuss how you manage everyday tasks, what your hobbies and interests are, and what you want to achieve as you move into adult life. These discussions will determine if you're eligible for adult social care support.

If you're eligible for support

If you're eligible for support, we'll provide information about the people who might be involved in your care from the age of 18. The preparing for adulthood worker will look at what options are available to support your needs, and will discuss these with you and your parent or carer. You can also search the Live Well Barnsley directory to find other services available to help.

Unlike in children’s social services, most adults have to pay a contribution towards adult social care. How much you would need to pay will depend on your individual circumstances, and you'll need to complete a financial assessment.

If you're not eligible for support

If you're not eligible for support, we'll provide information about other services, voluntary organisations, and support groups who can help you in your local community. We'll be able to help you access some of these services by making a referral. You can also search the Live Well Barnsley directory to find other services available to help.

Other support available

Visit the adult social care and children's social care sections of our website for details of our other support  services available to young people. If you or someone you care for needs support with their mental health, find mental health services who can help you and information about the the Mental Capacity Act.

You can also visit the Barnsley Virtual Family Hub to find advice and support services for over 16s across a range of topics, including benefits and money, education, employment, housing, health, transport, and more.

The Transition Information Network has some useful resources for parents and disabled young people. They cover things such as activities, housing, employment, money and participation.