Preparation for adulthood begins when the young person is 14 when social workers will carry out a preparing for adulthood assessment. 

The purpose of the assessment is to identify current needs and how these will be met under the Children Act 1989.

The assessment also considers the young person's future needs and what support they are likely to need in adulthood. The assessment will then consider whether the young person meets the criteria for an adult social care service under the Care Act 2014.

The young person's plan will include provision to meet current needs and what actions need to be carried out to plan for future service provision. 

• For some young people, their needs will be such that they require transition to adult health and social care services at the age of 18.
• For others, the CYPDS will continue to provide social care support up to the age of 25 to help them move to independence.

The assessment is reviewed at 16 and again at 18 to take account of the young person's changing needs and their increasing independence as they take more control of their lives and in preparation for moving on to independent living and/or adult services.

Further information can be found in section 3 of the CYPDS policy and procedures and on the Camden SEND local offer website.

The CYPDS preparing for adulthood guide also provides information for young people who are moving on to adult services and independence.