Age based transitions are well established across social care, but they do not always align with the developmental, emotional or sensory needs of the young people we support.
For those entering residential care in their late teens, an additional move into adult services at 18 can increase anxiety, disrupt progress, and place added strain on families and support teams.
For young people with autism, consistency, routine and trusted relationships are fundamental to wellbeing and development. When these routines are disrupted, young people can experience heightened anxiety, challenges in emotional regulation, and setbacks to the progress they may already have begun to make in their previous home.
Rethinking our approach to transition has enabled us to recognise that progress and readiness do not follow a fixed age. Every young person we support is different, with a unique set of needs, and transition planning should reflect this individuality. Stability and consistency are key protective factors and have a significant impact on the outcomes and progress that young people with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs are able to achieve.
That’s why, at Bright Futures, we’ve introduced specialist transition provisions for young people aged 16–25. These services allow young people to begin their journey with us without the need for an additional move or disruption when they turn 18.
By bridging the gap between children’s and adult services, these homes reduce disruption at a critical stage of development, support smoother and more personalised transitions, and provide reassurance to young people and their families during what is often an anxious period.
These models do more than remove the need for additional moves. They promote security and consistency, support development and progression, and enable young people to build strong, trusting relationships with their support teams. This approach allows individuals to progress at a pace that is right for them, supporting emotional regulation, skill development and long term stability, while also reducing the risk of placement breakdown.
The outcomes we see are strongest when young people experience continuity in their care, environments and support teams.
As a sector, there is an opportunity to continue reflecting on how our systems support young people into adulthood. Transitions should not be shaped solely by age, but by outcomes, readiness and quality of life, with the aim of creating the least disruptive process possible. Rethinking when transitions happen is not about delaying progress; it is about supporting it in a way that is informed, effective and, most importantly, person-centred.
By working collaboratively with commissioners, families and young people themselves, we can maintain a shared focus on what truly enables young people to thrive into adulthood.
Want to find out more about our specialist transition services? Get in touch with the team at referrals@brightfuturescare.co.uk
