As we get older, the things we do and the opportunities we have available to us change. When we turn 18 years old and are legally considered to be adults, there are opportunities as well as responsibilities that present themselves. This can be a very exciting time, but for young people with additional needs, there are added challenges.
To help young people with disabilities and their parents understand what’s ahead of them, we are launching a series of online support sessions as an opportunity for people to learn about the support available to young people as they approach adulthood and turn 18 years old, as well as advice and resources for parents, carers and professionals who support them.
The sessions, which young people and parents are invited to, will take place throughout the year and be led by subject matter experts, covering topics such as:
- The differences between Devon County Council’s adults’ and children’s services, and the support they provide (aimed at parents and carers)
- Training and employment opportunities (aimed at young people)
- Independent living and housing options (aimed at young people)
- Mental capacity and decision making (aimed at young people and parents)
- Money management (aimed at young people)
- Good mental health and resilience (of interest to both young people and parents and carers)
- Support for parents and carers (aimed at parents and carers)
Councillor Lois Samuel, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for services that support young people with special educational needs and disabilities, said:
“These years are so important to young people – a time for new opportunities and choices. For young people with additional needs, who may already be known to our children’s services or local health services, it’s a time during which they will ‘transition’ from our children’s services to adults’ services.
“These online sessions are designed to help young people and their families to understand what they can expect, what the opportunities ahead of them are, and to help individuals and families be ambitious about their futures. They will also help signpost young people and their families to further advice and support to help their decision making.”
The first session takes place on Tuesday 11 February, and will be about understanding the differences between Children’s and Adult’s Services, the support they give, and how this will impact young people during their transition into adulthood.
For further detail on the session topics, or to book your place, visit our website.