Principles of Good Transitions

Principles of Good Transitions 3

The Principles of Good Transitions 3 provides a framework to inform, structure and encourage the continual improvement of support for young people with additional needs between the ages of 14 and 25 who are making the transition to young adult life.

We recognise that transitions occur throughout a person’s life, however there is a large body of evidence to suggest that young adult transitions can be particularly problematic for many people with additional support needs.

Download the Introduction to ‘Principles of Good Transitions 3’

Principle 1.

Planning and decision making should be carried out in a person-centred way

This means:

Young people should be at the centre of their transition planning
A shared understanding and commitment to person-centred approaches across all services
Young people should have a single plan

Support should be co-ordinated across all services

This means:

There should be a co-ordinated approach to transitions in each local authority
Learning and development opportunities should include an understanding of all aspects of transition
Transitions should be evaluated

Planning should start early and continue up to age 25

This means:

Planning must be available from age 14 and be proportionate to need
Children’s plans and assessments should be adopted by adult services
Transition planning and support should continue to age 25

Young people should get the support they need

This means:

Eligibility criteria should be applied equitably across Scotland
Support should be available for those who do not meet eligibility criteria
An improved understanding of the number of young people who require support and levels of unmet need
Planning and decision-making for services should be done in partnership with young people and their carers

Young people, parents and carers must have access to the information they need

This means information should:

Clearly state what young people are entitled to during transitions
Show what support is available
Be inclusive of different communication needs
Use common and agreed language

Families and carers need support

This means:

Family well-being needs to be supported
Advocacy should be available at the start and throughout transitions

A continued focus on transitions across Scotland

This means:

The Scottish Transitions Forum working collectively to promote the Principles of Good Transitions and improve practice across Scotland
A continued focus on transitions within policy and legislative developments
Learning good practice from project-funded work and embedding this into sustainable longer-term strategies