National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy - statement of intent: engagement analysis summary

Recurring Themes

A number of themes have been identified as recurring across responses to multiple questions. For the purpose of this summary document, we highlight and explain the four themes which emerged in responses to three or more questions. These were:

• Role of parents/carers
• Access to services and support
• Young people with complex needs
• Transitions between children’s and adult’s services

Role of parents/carers

The role of parents/carers as key advocates and partners in their young person’s transition to adulthood was highlighted, and some respondents felt that their role should be strengthened within the strategy. This was felt to be particularly important for young people with complex needs or who may otherwise lack capacity for decision making.

Some respondents noted any implications for guardianship should also be reflected within the strategy. Some also highlighted that parents/carers’ own support needs should be considered alongside the support needs of their young person.

Access to services and support

Some respondents commented that delivering on the ambition of the statement of intent would be dependent on disabled young people being able to access suitable support and services. Whilst some respondents acknowledged they could have received better support if information had been provided to them, it was generally felt there is not enough choice or availability of support and options across Scotland for disabled young people to transition to. This included in health, social care and further education.

Young people with complex needs

The term ‘complex needs’ emerged frequently, although no fixed definition of this term was apparent. Respondents used ‘complex needs’ to describe young people who:

• Have complex or multiple healthcare needs; and/or
• Have significant care needs; and/or
• Have a life-shortening condition; and/or
• Require support for transitions across multiple sectors e.g. education, health, independent living and social care; and/or
• Have a profound learning disability; and/or
• Otherwise lack capacity for decision making.

Some respondents felt that the ambition of the statement of intent did not sufficiently reflect the aspiration or needs of young people with ‘complex needs’.

Transitions between children’s and adult’s services

Some respondents highlighted the challenges presented by the transitions between children’s and adult services, particularly in relation to health transitions. Some described a sharp drop – and in some cases gaps – in support, and reflected on challenges impeding smooth transitions such as securing adult service representation during transitions planning.