The differences between child and adult support services
Q. What is supported living?
Making the move from a children’s support service to an adult service is an essential and exciting chapter in a young person’s life. At Lifeways, we’ll be by your side to ensure your transition process goes as smoothly as possible.
To help you understand the process, we've put together some differences between child and adult support services.
What are the differences between child and adult support care services?
Transitioning into adulthood often means more independence, and the move from child to adult support services will offer you the same opportunity, whether that’s moving into supported living and experiencing living independently, or making more choices about your support and treatment plan.
Get prepared for this transition by reading our page about moving on to adult services.
What age may an individual be classed as an adult with care and support needs?
An individual is typically considered an adult with care and support needs at the age of 18 or older. The Care Act 2014 defines an adult as someone 18 years of age or over who requires care and support.
The transitioning process typically begins around the age of 14 and usually runs between the ages of 16 and 18, in line with your transition into adulthood.
How does the transition to adult support services work?
During your journey through child support services, it’s likely that when talking to support workers, doctors and other healthcare professionals, they will have mainly discussed your treatment and support plans with your parents or loved ones.
When you transition to adult support services, you’ll be able to influence decisions more, with support workers and health professionals discussing any support plans with you, alongside your parents and carers.
You will have input on what you want to achieve, including any goals or desires which will influence your support plan, so you receive the most effective support to lead a happy, fulfilling life.
What is a care transition assessment?
When a child approaches their 18th birthday, themselves, a loved one or a carer may request a care needs assessment from their local authority.
This is because their situation may have changed dramatically, which in turn may alter any care needs.
What will happen to my child's existing care and support services whilst they're being assessed?
A child or young carer receiving children's services will continue to receive them during the assessment process, either until the adult care and support is in place to take over, or until it's clear after the assessment that adult care and support doesn't need to be provided.
What are adult support care services?
If your next step is to leave the family home, then supported living is an option for you.
Supported living will allow you to live in your own home where you can decorate your own space, be in charge of your bills, and develop valuable life skills, all with 24/7 support from our friendly support workers as and when you need it.
On our supported living page, you can view what else to expect from this care service.
Will I pay for my home care support services now that i'm 18?
Once you turn 18, you will likely be eligible for funding with only some responsibility for contributing towards the cost of your care needs, depending on your circumstances.
Social services will conduct a financial assessment to determine how much you can afford to contribute, taking into account your income and capital.
Get your finances sorted beforehand with our helpful guide to social care funding.
Will I have the same support carer once I transition to adult care support services?
No, you are unlikely to have the same care support worker after transitioning to adult care support services.
Adult care services are typically organised differently from children's services, and the specific teams will likely change. You may be assigned to different carers for particular tasks or assessments, but a permanent, ongoing allocation of the same carer is not typical in adult care.
Meet the executive leadership team that ensures Lifeways continues to deliver high-quality, person-centred support that changes lives
Alisha's transition into adult home care support services
One of our supported living residents, Alisha, made the move from a college for people with disabilities to a Lifeways supported living shared house.
“My family wanted the best outcome for me, but to be honest, mum wanted me to live nearer to her,” said Alisha. “Lifeways reassured her that I’d have full control of my support and she would still be able to be in the picture as much as she could, so I think that helped her accept my decision.”
Read more about Alisha’s transition from child to adult support care services journey here.
Adult support services near you
Lifeways is the UK's largest team of professionals who support adults living with complex needs in the community. Across England, Scotland, and Wales, we support adults with needs including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.
We’ve supported countless young adults in their transition to adult services, and we’ll be here to help your family through this journey.
For further information, please contact our friendly team, who will be happy to help.