Agenda item - Transition Strategy

38.1 Cllr Allen, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation, presented the report to the committee. Key points included how the Transition Strategy aligned with the Corporate Plan, benchmarking and self-assessment, standards met, and the delivery plan.

38.2 Fiona England of PACC remained concerned about a number of issues but was pleased that it is moving forward. PACC has limited capacity and so co-production would be higher if they had more funding. Fiona was positive that officers are committed to working with PACC. She felt that the delivery plan according to need was positive. Fiona said that there were risks and to ensure the plan is delivered officers needed to push the details across the line.

38.3 Sally Polanski of Amaze said that the delivery plan was really clear on prioritising improving transition processes which is needed. She said that they would be keen to do engagement with parent carers and young people with SEND on the outcomes of a successful transition, as the plan doesn’t have this focus yet and it’s more meaningful engagement, for young people especially. Sally said that engagement with young people with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty will need to be considered in this to ensure all voices are heard. She said that the pathways in the appendix were especially helpful and we can seek feedback from families on if this matches their experiences.  More detail is needed on the timeframes pathways should follow. Sally was interested in proposals around a commissioning forum and would like more detail on this. Amaze has co-produced with YP with SEND a new website amazingfuturessussex.org.uk and can include details on transition in that as the IAG part of the delivery plan progresses.

38.4 Members raised the following issues: the need to consult with young people who have gone through transition, further details on the standards, reductions in benefits meaning younger people can’t claim incapacity benefits, additional transitional safeguards, independent living accommodation, outsourcing of services, all women services, IT systems sharing data safely and easily, how the budget affects the transition strategy, assessment and planning particularly around unforeseen events in young people’s lives, measuring and monitoring the council’s integrated working between departments, timescale to cabinet, voices from those who have suffered criminal exploitation, police involvement, the involvement of SENCOs, involvement of parents and carers, staffing requirements.

38.5 People Overview & Scrutiny Committee resolved to note the report.