Digital guide putting families in control
Families with children and young people with learning disabilities and special educational needs now have access to a refreshed website, designed to ease the process of transitioning into adult social services.
The new Moving into Adulthood online handbook has been commissioned by Oxfordshire County Council. It has been developed by Oxfordshire Family Support Network in collaboration with parents and guardians who have had lived experience of children moving from children’s services into adult’s services.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “We support families and young people with a wide range of needs and the process of changing services can be quite daunting. The updated digital handbook has all the latest information in one place, putting families in control and making the transition of support much easier.”
The online directory is designed for young people aged 14 to 25 years old, providing them with the information they need to navigate the changes in systems and processes over a long period of time. While it is specifically created to support young people with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), some of the information may also apply to other young people who have special educational needs support, for example those with additional learning needs.
The guide is innovatively laid out so that families can dip in and out of it and make use of the information as their child matures. Subject areas featured in the handbook include health, education, finance and recreational opportunities as well as signposting to additional help and support.
Councillor Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “The teenage years can be a very difficult time for families to navigate in general and adding the process of moving from children’s to adult services can be a scary prospect. This refreshed online tool has been designed by parents, for parents, offering vital, relevant support at a crucial time in a child’s life.
“By commissioning this guide it shows the council’s acknowledgement of how important this process is and highlights our dedication to families accessing our support services.”
Kathy Liddell, Family Advocate at Oxfordshire Family Support Network has worked with parents to design the handbook and said: “Whatever your child’s additional needs, the need to plan for their move into adulthood remains the same. We know from experience how intimidating this process can feel but we hope that armed with the right information support and guidance, you will be able to view this journey as a positive stage. Every young person, even those with the most complex needs can achieve a good quality of life.”
The online moving into adulthood handbook can be found at movingintoadulthood.oxfsn.org.uk.
Further support can be found on the council’s webpages oxfordshire.gov.uk/MovingIntoAdulthood
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