People Overview & Scrutiny
Subject: Transition Strategy
Date of meeting: 18th March 2025
Report of: Chair of People Overview & Scrutiny
Contact Officer: Name: Luke Proudfoot
Email: luke.proudfoot@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 This report provides an update on the development of the Transitions Pathways and draft Delivery Plan following the Transitions Strategy presentation to People Overview & Scrutiny Committee in October 2024.
2.1 People Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes the work to date on the Transition Strategy.
3.1 People Overview & Scrutiny Committee has identified transition of children and young people to adulthood as a key area of interest.
3.2 The Transition Strategy was presented to the People Overview & Scrutiny Committee in October 2024 at an early stage in its development.
3.3 The committee wanted to continue to be involved in pre-decision scrutiny during the ongoing development of the Transition Strategy. Therefore, this presentation to the committee is to update members on the Transitions Pathways and draft Delivery Plan.
3.4 Five key care pathways have been identified for inclusion in this strategy:
• Learning Disabilities
• Physical Disabilities & Complex Health Needs
• Mental Health needs
• Neurodiversity & people who may also be autistic (with and without disabilities)
• Children in Care approaching Leaving Care
4.1 None directly for this report.
5.1 Members of the community including young people and their families have been widely consulted as part of the development of this strategy. The delivery of this strategy will be in collaboration with Council services and existing delivery teams/groups.
6.1 As part of corporate budgeting there are some areas e.g. young people with learning disabilities, where specific provision is made to accommodate future projected demand and costs. This work may need to be extended to fully cover all of the key care pathways that have been identified.
Name of finance officer consulted: Sophie Warburton Date consulted: 10/03/25
7.1 As described in some detail in the original report to People, Overview and Scrutiny in October 2024 there is considerable legislation and guidance that governs transition arrangements, planning and joint working involving internal and external partners including The Children Act 1989 and associated Guidance, The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 , The Children and Young Person’s Act 2008, The Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010, The Children & Families Act 2014 , The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2014, The Care Act 2014 and associated Guidance, The Children and Social Work Act 2017, The Care Leaver Covenant (CLC) 2018. All relevant statutory duties and guidance must be taken into account in the planning and delivery of services for transitional arrangements and provision for children and adults in the City.
Name of lawyer consulted: Sandra O’Brien Date consulted: 10/03/25
8.1 The strategy aims to advance equality of opportunity for young people who have a range of additional needs and challenges and who are significantly disadvantaged from attaining fulfilling adult lives in respect of their ability to gain suitable accommodation, employment, access to healthcare and support to build meaningful relationships. This strategy is to support the successful transition of these groups of young people with additional needs to adulthood and independence.
8.2 As part of the development of this strategy, those with specific needs and challenges have been consulted to ensure that all groups have been considered such as LGBTQ+, those who are neurodivergent, have learning difficulties, physical disabilities and/or mental health needs, and those who are leaving care. Feedback from these groups have been used to form actions to resolve the issues they face.
8.3 By co-producing this strategy with children and young people, their parent carers and a wide community of voluntary and community groups, public and private sector organisations, the strategy aims to promote inclusivity, addressing the inequality that many children and young people with additional needs experience. The collaborative approach will promote community cohesion through building social and support networks across the city and provide further support to those with caring responsibilities.
9.1 None directly for this report.
10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
10.1 The strategy is focused on ensuring that the council contributes to a ‘better
future for children and young people’ who are ‘starting and living well’. It will support children and young people to access the health and wellbeing services and information that they need without the feelings of anxiety, stress and uncertainty that the current system has left them with through a lack of clarity on accessing services and interventions. This will benefit children and young people who need extra support when transitioning into adulthood and will have a positive experience on their lives and those of their carers/parents.
11.1 The Committee is asked to note the draft Strategy for Transition to Adulthood and to comment on any aspects of the draft Strategy.
Supporting Documentation
1. Transition to Adulthood presentation
2. Transitions Care Pathways
3. Draft Transitions Delivery Plan