What does preparing for adulthood (PfA) mean?

Preparing for adulthood means preparing for:

• Higher education and/or employment – this includes exploring options for what your son/daughter will do during the day when they leave school, this may include attending a day service, further education, different employment options, such as supported employment, volunteering, as well as other daytime opportunities.
• Independent living – this means young people having choice and control over their lives, the support they receive, their accommodation and living arrangements, whenever possible.
• Having a life - participating in society – including having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community.
• Being as healthy as possible in adult life - including moving to adult health services, having access to sport and keeping active and having an annual health check.

The legislation and what it means?

The Children & Families Act (Part 3) and the Care Act are the biggest legislative changes for over 20 years for education and social care. Both acts introduce new statutory duties (this means what the council must do). Section 19 of the Children & Families Act 2014 makes it clear that councils must consider:

• the views, wishes and feelings of the child or young person, and the child’s parents.
• the importance of the child or young person, and the child’s parents, taking part in making decisions as much as possible. The council must also provide information and support so they can do this.
• the need to support the child or young person’s development and to help them achieve the best possible educational, health and social care outcomes, preparing them for adulthood.

All professionals should work together to make sure that the young person and their family is at the centre of all activity.

You can view the legislation in more detail on the 'know your rights' page of the Local Offer.