Agenda item

To provide a progress update on the developments to date and next steps of the transitions project ‘Preparing for Adulthood’.

(To be considered jointly with the Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Panel)

(Considered jointly with the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Panel)

The Panel received an update on the Transitions project.  It was noted that the project was intended to help better prepare young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities for adult life.  John Everson, Assistant Director for Adults, reported that the project had made some real achievements but there were still challenges to be met and further work would therefore be taking place to address them.  The project had been a collaborative piece of work between the Children and Young People’s and Adult Services.

The Panel noted that there had been a number of achievements by the project during the past year:

·         A transitions protocol had been developed with NHS services to ensure joint working to plan progression to adulthood;

·         Funding had been obtained from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide employment placements via my AFK for 27 people with disabilities;

·         Agreement had been reached with NHS partners on an improved referral pathway for Continuing Health Care to ensure continuity of services for people that receive funding from NHS; 

·         Free mental health support had been secured for people aged 16 and above to access the Haringey Well-Being Network;

·         Training had been provided for staff and partners to enhance their knowledge so that they were better able to signpost to community services.  Training had also been provided for commissioning staff to assist them in understanding user needs and negotiating the cost of care packages with providers;

·         Work had taken place with children’s mental health services to ensure improved referral routes to adult social care for assessments;

·         The IT system had been updated to improve recording of transitions information for young people; and

·         A monthly transitions co-production group had been established with families and staff.

There had been a number of achievements by the Transitions Reference Group through co-production, which included:

·         An “Apps for Social Care” web page that was developed for service users to promote independence.  A “Moving On” tool was also developed for young people to find disability well-being information more easily;

·         Improved information and signposting on SEND issues, such as post 16 choices, colleges and employment, had been provided as well  details of relevant adult social care websites; and

·         Surveys had been undertaken to improve SEND information and a Transitions Pathway Guide published and widely distributed.

Parents and carers had been listened to and gaps in support identified.   In particular, a need to improve housing and employment support had been identified. In respect of autism, the care packages provided for adults were not necessarily the best option for them.  The outcomes that were being aimed for included a reduction in isolation, greater independence, promotion and maintenance of employment and better management of money.  A range of further work was planned for 2019.

In answer to a question, Gill Gibson (Assistant Director for Early Help and Prevention) reported that it was known that there was a “cliff edge” for young people when they reached the age of 18.  It was one of the reasons why the work had been undertaken.  One key aim was to provide information at a much earlier stage, including the range of options available. The Panel noted that it was planned to produce an “easy read” version of the Transitions Pathway guide. 

In answer to another question, Shana Nessa (Project Manager for Transformation) reported that copies of the Pathway guide would be sent to Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators to distribute to relevant young people. In answer to another question, Mr Everson reported that the relationship with the DWP in respect of the project was focussed on how improvements could be made to the process of getting people into work rather than the receipt of benefits.

In answer to a question regarding accessibility of information, Ms Gibson stated that further consideration could be given to this.  An Autism Strategy was also currently being developed and would address some of these issues.  The Panel noted that an assessment of carers was also undertaken when young people were assessed on transition into Adult Services.  Mr Everson felt that further work might be needed on this area.

In answer to another question, Ms Gibson stated that many young people attended schools and colleges outside of the borough. They were supported in this through the provision of independent travel training.  Good practice from elsewhere was considered in order to help develop care. 

Ms Gibson reported that My AFK was a voluntary sector organisation.  The programme in Haringey involved My AFK receiving referrals from a range of sources including self-referral.  She agreed to consider further the feasibility of encouraging contractors working with the Council to provide placements for local young people.  Mr Everson stated that the Council had bid successfully to the DWP and My AFK had been commissioned to deliver the work required.   The Panel requested that they be provided with a briefing note clarifying the relationships involved in the contracts with the DWP and My AFK.

AGREED:

1.    That a briefing note be provided to Members of both Panels on the contractual relationships between the Council, the DWP and My AFK in the project to support young people with learning difficulties into employment;

2.    That relevant information on transitions, including the Pathway guide, be circulated to carers of young people including details of who to contact if they have any queries;

3.    That consideration be given to the feasibility of encouraging contractors working with the Council to provide placements for local young people; and

4.    That another joint meeting of the Children and Young People and Adults and Health Scrutiny Panels be arrange for six months’ time to report on progress, particularly with employment initiatives.