Transition planning and the Care Act

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has recently found a local authority at fault for its failure to start transition planning under the Care Act for a young man. The Ombudsman stated: ‘The Care Act 2014 says councils must carry out a social care needs “transition” assessment where there is likely to be a need for care and support after the young person turns 18. There is no set age to carry this out, but the intent is to decide what services the child will need when they turn 18. Transition assessments should begin when it would be of “significant benefit” to the young person, i.e., when the council is reasonably confident about what their needs for care and support will be when they turn 18.’

The Ombudsman found: ‘Mr Y has an EHC Plan and therefore the Council should have started planning for his transition to adult services when he was in year 9. Mr Y’s EHC Plan review in February 2024 identified a moving to adulthood plan must be completed as part of the review process. The evidence shows, despite this, it was not completed until March 2025, some 13 months later, nor was it shared with Mr X and Mr Y. That was fault.’

The Ombudsman directed the local authority to apologise and pay £300 to the young man and his father.

Download the report: https://www.lgo.org.uk/decisions/adult-care-services/transition-from-childrens-services/25-010-959

Edge deliver a wide range of courses on the Care Act for adult social care staff. In addition, we offer free training for families and carers on the Care Act. Details from: https://www.edgetraining.org.uk/