Moving to adult health services
Children and young people who receive health care will become more involved in the decisions about their care from the age of 16.
Where young people require continuing health care after the age of 18, they will transfer to adult services. They may then see a different doctor or care team for adults.
It is a good idea to discuss future planning with your young person and their care team when they reach the age of 14 or 15. If they have an EHC Plan, this can form part of their annual review preparation for adulthood discussions.
If the young person does not have an EHC Plan, it may be a good idea to discuss future needs with their care team and engage them in an application for EHC needs assessment if it is felt that they will require care and support as an adult.
Resources to support
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have some useful resources on ensuring high quality care for young people as they move from children’s to adult’s health services.
The NHS provides some useful information about changing from child to adult care for autistic young people.
Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Partnership Trust has information for young people with ADHD on transitions.
Young Minds has useful information on moving from children and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services. They also offer suggested questions to ask about the transition, along with understanding your rights and information for parents and carers.