Transition Into Adulthood

Overview
This page aims to outline some useful information and resources for young people moving out of Children's Service, and into Adult Social Care. This process begins at the age of 16, and can be ongoing until the age of 25.
East Sussex Transition Service
The East Sussex Transition Service supports young people and their families to move from Children’s Services into Adult Services support.
As teenagers become young adults, the Transition Service can help to:
- coordinate different services
- develop aims
- find courses or work
- live a safe, healthy and independent life
- choose where to live
- develop interests in sports or hobbies
- direct you to other support
They can help people aged 16 to 25, who meet all of the following criteria:
- The young person must have a formal diagnosis of a severe and enduring learning disability and may also have physical disabilities
- The young person must have an Education, Health and Care Plan and/or Statement of Special Educational Needs in place
- They are, or will be, at age 18, eligible for support from Adult Social Care
- Meet the Continuum of Need Level 4 (Assessment Framework Children Services 16-18 years old).
Apply for help
Most young people will be referred directly to the Transition service by the Children's Disability Service. Please ask your support worker for more information on this.
If you are 16 or 17 and not getting support from Children’s Services but feel you meet the criteria above, contact the Transitions Service using the contact form.
Additional Transition Advice and Guidance
The Transition Information Network is a source of information and good practice for disabled young people, families and professionals. They are a specialist network of the Council for Disabled Children set up to provide targeted information and resources about transition through online resources, publications and events.
If you would like to know more, visit the Transition Information Network web page.
Adult Social Care and Health
Adult Social Care and Health is a department of East Sussex County Council. They work with people aged 18 or over who live in East Sussex.
As young people transition from Children's Services into Adult Social Care and Health, the help available and the way to access it may change. We recommend you visit the main East Sussex County Council site which provides lots of information on help available, including contact details:
You can contact Adult Social Care and Health by:
- Phone: 0345 60 80 191
- Email: hscc@eastsussex.gov.uk
East Sussex 1Space

East Sussex 1Space is East Sussex County Council's online directory. It brings together groups and organisations that offer care, support and wellbeing services to people in East Sussex. It's free to use.
1Space was set up in 2012 by Adult Social Care & Health and expanded in 2021 to include the East Sussex Local Offer.
You may already be familiar with 1Space through using the Local Offer. The directory also offers over 2000 services for adults in East Sussex.
Services include wellbeing support, help with housing and living independently, education and employment support, among much more. We recommend you visit the directory to find the right support for you:
Personal Assistants
Some young people may require a personal assistant (PA), especially when transitioning into adulthood. PA's can assist with daily personal or business-related tasks.
The East Sussex 1Space directory lists hundreds of personal assistants around the county. You can use the filters on the directory to find the most suitable PA for your needs, whether that's one that specialises in helping people with learning disabilities, sensory impairments, or a physical disability, to name a few:
Please note, each PA is likely to be a paid-for service. Please contact the individual PA to find out about costs.
Additional Help and Support
Amaze SENDIASS
Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity who offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND, including preparing for adulthood. Contact Amaze SENDIASS:
- Phone: 01273 772 289
- Email: sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk
Steps to Work
Steps to Work is a supported employment service within Adult Social Care and Health which forms part of East Sussex County Council’s Learning Disability, directly provided services.
Youth Employability Service (YES)
YES is a free service which offers support and guidance to young people in the East Sussex area. Commissioned by East Sussex County Council, they work specifically with young people aged 16-18 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or are at risk of being NEET.
If you haven't already, we recommend you visit this sites web pages on:
- College, Courses and Education
- Supported Employment, Apprenticeships and Internships
- Housing, Income and Benefits
- Personal Health and Wellbeing
- Youth Groups and Activities
Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms
Some of the terms used on this website are explained on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.