Transitional safeguarding is a relatively new concept in health and social care. It aims to bridge the gap between child and adult safeguarding services. When young people move from being minors to adults, their needs and the risks they face change. Transitional safeguarding seeks to ensure their safety during this important period.
Why Transitional Safeguarding is Important
Young people often face new challenges as they transition to adulthood. These challenges can include:
- Moving from child protection to adult services
- Navigating new social environments
- Coping with increased independence and responsibility
Without proper support, they are at risk of falling through the cracks between child and adult services. Transitional safeguarding ensures continuous care and support during this vulnerable time.
The Basics of Safeguarding
Definitions and Key Concepts
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing, and human rights. It ensures they live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. In health and social care, safeguarding focuses on vulnerable groups, such as children, older adults, and those with disabilities.
Child vs. Adult Safeguarding
Child safeguarding involves measures to protect children from abuse and neglect. Services include social work, education, and healthcare. Adult safeguarding, however, addresses the needs of adults at risk due to age, disability, or mental health issues. These two safeguarding systems have traditionally operated separately.
The Need for Transitional Safeguarding
Gaps Between Services
When young people turn 18, they move from child to adult services. These services have different policies, procedures, and methods of support. This shift can be abrupt and confusing. Transitional safeguarding identifies and addresses these gaps.
Increasing Vulnerability
Young adults often face increased vulnerabilities. They may lack the life skills or support networks needed to cope with adult responsibilities. Risks such as exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues can escalate during this time. Transitional safeguarding seeks to mitigate these risks by providing continuous support.
Implementing Transitional Safeguarding
Key Strategies
- Early Planning: Start planning for the transition early, ideally around age 14-16.
- Collaboration: Ensure that child and adult services work closely together.
- Training: Equip professionals with the skills to understand and support transitional needs.
- Policy Alignment: Align policies between child and adult safeguarding to ensure consistency.
Role of Health and Social Care Providers
Health and social care providers play an important role in transitional safeguarding. They must:
- Conduct thorough assessments of young people’s needs
- Develop tailored transition plans
- Monitor progress and adapt support as needed
Success Stories in Transitional Safeguarding
Several local authorities have already implemented successful transitional safeguarding programmes. For example, some areas have created multi-agency teams dedicated to supporting young people through transitions. These teams include social workers, healthcare providers, and educational staff. They work together to offer a seamless transition from child to adult services.
Challenges and Solutions
Common Challenges
- Lack of Awareness: Some professionals may not be aware of the importance of transitional safeguarding.
- Resource Constraints: Funding and resources can be limited.
- Policy Gaps: Discrepancies between child and adult safeguarding policies can create confusion.
Potential Solutions
- Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness through training and information sessions.
- Securing Funding: Advocate for additional funding and resources.
- Policy Review: Regularly review and update policies to ensure alignment.
Conclusion
Transitional safeguarding is really important for young people entering adulthood. It ensures they receive consistent, continuous support during a critical period. By identifying and addressing gaps between child and adult services, transitional safeguarding helps protect young people’s health, wellbeing, and safety.
Health and social care providers must prioritise early planning, collaboration, and training to successfully implement transitional safeguarding. By doing so, they can offer young people the support they need to navigate adulthood safely and successfully.
