Definition
People working for local councils, like social workers, complete transitions assessments with young people preparing for their adult life. The assessments are an opportunity to discuss what is important to the young person and to provide them and their families with information to help them make plans.
The law (Care Act 2014) says that local councils must undertake a transitions assessment when someone is likely to have needs for care and support (or support as a carer) under the Care Act when they or the person they support turns 18.
Transition assessments should take place at the right time for the young person or carer and at a point when the local council can be reasonably confident about what the young person’s or carer’s needs for care or support will look like after the young person in question turns 18. There is no set age when young people reach this point; every young person and their family are different, and as such, transition assessments should take place when it is most appropriate for them.
The bigger picture
This term should be used with caution. To learn more about why, visit the related term Assessment.