Transitional Safeguarding

What do we mean by transitional safeguarding?

Transitional safeguarding is an approach that involves children and adult services working together in recognising that the needs of young people do not change or stop when they reach 18, although the legislation, thresholds, and services supporting them often do. It aims to prevent this ‘cliff edge’ effect and reduce the risks of abuse, neglect or exploitation as they transition to adulthood.

It begins with recognising that chronological age is not always an indicator of functional ability and there are developmental stages, with adulthood seen as a stage that will be achieved at different times by everyone. It requires a professionally curious approach in considering the impact previous experiences may have had and the type of support that a young person will need during their transition.

Transitional safeguarding requires a more fluid approach across all services, enabling underpinning principles and approaches to be applied at the right time to ensure a more tailored approach, albeit still within the relevant age-related legal framework. The type of support that a young person will need during their transition to adulthood depends on a whole range of factors and is not determine by whether they have care and support needs.

Why is it important?

There are a number of reasons why a transitional safeguarding approach is important.

• It is recognised young people may experience distinct risks and harms that do not stop at the age of 18, and factors that increase a child’s vulnerability often continue into adulthood, potentially resulting in unmet needs and costly later interventions.
• It is acknowledged that Children and Adult safeguarding systems are conceptually and procedurally different, and are governed by different statutory frameworks, which can make the transition to adulthood difficult for young people facing ongoing risk.
• This can be exacerbated by the notable differences between thresholds and the eligibility criteria of Children’s and Adults’ safeguarding. There needs to be a common culture and understanding across children’s and adults, which includes the use of language.
• Learning has highlighted how ineffective transitional planning can contribute to young adults ‘slipping through the net’, often with tragic consequences. It is vital to share information between services in a proportionate and timely way so that young people approaching 18 receive access to guidance, information and advice they will need as adults.

A Person-Centred Approach

The young person should be fully involved in decision about information sharing. It is important to note that transition into adulthood is a partnership and not only a social care issue. Multi agency partners need to be involved and support this work.

Safeguarding Adult Reviews

The importance of transitions, and transitional safeguarding, has been identified in a number of local Safeguarding Adult Reviews. For more information on Safeguarding Adults please see: bhsab.org.uk

Resources

Below are a range of resources to help increase knowledge and understanding of transitional safeguarding and support a transitional approach to safeguarding.