Things to consider for adulthood and Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Guide

Education, training and finding employment

Continue to explore a range of pathways that link your aspirations for the future, such as supported employment apprenticeships, work-based learning, work related learning at college, paid work, self-employment, higher education and voluntary work.

Consider applying for a 16 to 19 Bursary to help with education costs. Ask your post-16 provider for more information. Read more about 16 to 19 Bursary on the GOV.UK website.

Developing independence

If you are receiving support from children’s social care, you may need to consider support from adult social care.

If you are over the age of 18 years you may have to contribute towards the cost of any support you receive. The local authority will carry out a financial assessment to check how much you can afford to contribute towards your care and support.

Your parent / carer can ask for a carer’s assessment you have turned 18 years of age or just before.

Think about independent travel to enable you to travel on your own.

Explore a range of housing options.

You may want to access an advocate to help you get your views across.

If you haven’t done so already, you could open a personal bank account for your benefits and other money before you turn 18 years of age.

Seek advice on what benefits you may be eligible for.

If you are going to university, you will need a plan including accommodation, travel, finances and grants / loans, support requirements and social opportunities. See the post-16 guide.

Find out whether you need to be added to the electoral register. You need to be aged 16 years and over to register.

Friends, relationships, and community

Identify any activities you want to do.

Look for local community activities you may be able to access such as groups, parks and libraries.

Familiarise yourself with Safe Spaces / York CVS. Look for the stickers in shop & café windows. Find more information on the Safe Place Scheme.

Do you need help accessing the community? Talk to your family and friends and visit Local Offer for more support.

Good health

You may need a continuing health care (adults) assessment. Health professionals involved with you should consider if this is appropriate and agree who is best placed to complete it.

Annual health checks continue via General Practitioner (GP) for people with diagnosed learning disabilities aged 14 years and over.

Consider sexual health and access to free contraception, read more on the YorSexualHealth website.

In addition, if you have an EHC Plan

Your EHC plan will not continue if you are:

• accessing higher education
• accessing paid work
• if you are 18 or over and you have chosen to leave education

In all other circumstances your annual review will continue to allow opportunities to discuss how the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can support progress to the longer-term aspirations of work and ensure the right provision is secured.

You could also consider a supported internship.

If you need SEN Transport to get to your post-16 education setting, you need to re-apply each year (it is not an automatic entitlement after compulsory school age).