Summary of Principle 4
Eligibility criteria should be applied equitably across Scotland
Many Scottish Transitions Forum members tell us they are concerned about inequities and inconsistencies in the application of eligibility criteria across and between local authorities and from child to adult services. Where eligibility criteria are in place, they should be implemented consistently and fairly, and the reasons for decisions should be clearly communicated to allow realistic and early planning to take place.
Support should be available for those who do not meet eligibility criteria
Without some support, even a little, many young people with additional support needs may fail to achieve their potential. Many young people will benefit from extra help to consider options, including those outwith those usually provided by health and social care partnerships. Not all young people with additional support needs are eligible for support but regardless of whether they are eligible for funded services, they should still be helped to engage with their community in ways that allow them to be included and valued.
An improved understanding of the number of young people who require support and levels of unmet need
We currently do not have all the information needed to establish a clear picture of the numbers of young people with additional support needs who are receiving post school support, the outcomes they are achieving in different areas and the levels of unmet need. Increasing our understanding of this will help to inform and measure improvement and achieve sustainable change.
Planning and decision-making for services should be done in partnership with young people and their carers
Section 4 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and the Joint Strategic Commissioning Model requires community planning partnerships to enable community bodies to participate in community planning. Partnerships should identify ‘bodies [which] represent the interests of persons who experience inequalities of outcome that result from socio-economic disadvantage.’ According to research carried out by Contact a Family this would include disability groups. Other areas would include youth forums, carers, single-parent families, and any groups that represent people with any additional need where they are economically disadvantaged.