What is Transitional Safeguarding?

Transitional safeguarding is an approach that recognises the journey from adolescence to adulthood is gradual, not defined by a single birthday or service threshold. It aims to ensure that young people, especially those with complex needs or at risk of harm, do not fall through gaps as they move from children’s to adults’ services. Transitional safeguarding is not just about planning for service transfer; it is about providing developmentally appropriate, flexible, and person-centred support that bridges the “cliff edge” at 18 and beyond.

Key Principles:

• Safeguarding is a journey, not an event.
• Responses should reflect maturity, vulnerability, and life circumstances, not just age.
• Multi-agency collaboration and early planning (from age 14) are essential.
• The “no wrong door” approach: any professional approached by a young person should take responsibility for connecting them to the right support.

Why Does Transitional Safeguarding Matter?

• Many risks and vulnerabilities, such as exploitation, mental health needs, substance misuse, and homelessness, do not stop at 18.
• The legal and service frameworks for children and adults are different, often leading to gaps in support.
• Young people may face a “cliff edge” where support ends abruptly, even though their needs persist.
• Research shows the human brain continues developing into the mid-twenties, and young people’s ability to manage risk and make decisions matures over time.
• Effective transitional safeguarding can prevent harm, reduce costly interventions later, and improve outcomes for young people.

What Increases Risk and Vulnerability During Transition?

• Loss of professional support at 18 (“cliff edge”).
• Rigid eligibility criteria for adult services.
• Poor information sharing and lack of joint planning.
• Multiple transitions (e.g., school moves, exclusions, leaving care).
• Adverse childhood experiences, trauma, or mental health needs.
• Being NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), missing education, or being electively home educated.
• Exploitation (criminal, sexual, or radicalisation), homelessness, substance misuse.
• Lack of trusted relationships and continuity of care.
• Social isolation, especially for care leavers or those with limited family support.

Transition to Adult Support Services

• Joint planning should start early (from age 14), involving the young person, their family, and all relevant agencies (social care, education, health, police, etc.).
• The Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to make safeguarding enquiries for adults at risk, even if they do not meet eligibility criteria for funded care and support.
• Transition assessments should consider not just care needs, but also safeguarding risks, mental health, and wider vulnerabilities.
• Multi-agency forums and transition panels can help coordinate support and ensure no young person is left unsupported.
• Information sharing between children’s and adults’ services is vital for continuity and risk management.

The “Cliff Edge” and Those Not Eligible for Adult Services

• Many young people experience a sudden drop in support at 18, known as the “cliff edge.”
• Adult safeguarding thresholds are often higher, and some young people with ongoing risks (e.g., exploitation, self-neglect, homelessness) may not qualify for adult services.
• Professionals should use contextual safeguarding and risk-based decision-making, not just eligibility criteria.
• Where young people are not eligible for adult services, consider alternative pathways (e.g., voluntary sector, housing, health, Complex Adults Risk Management frameworks).
• Maintain oversight and “warm handoffs” to ensure young people are not left at risk.

Care Leavers

• Care leavers face unique challenges: accelerated independence, loss of support, and increased risk of poor outcomes (homelessness, mental health, unemployment).
• Support should be proactive, relational, and flexible, building trust and providing practical help (housing, health, education, employment).
• Personal Advisers (PAs) should be allocated early (from age 16) to build relationships and support planning.
• Care leavers should have access to their records, life story work, and support with practical matters (ID, benefits, health).
• National and local initiatives (e.g., free prescriptions, dental care, mental health pilots) aim to address health inequalities and improve outcomes for care leavers.
• Co-production and listening to care leavers’ voices are essential for effective support.

What Should Professionals Do?

• Start transition planning early, ideally from age 14.
• Use a person-centred, strengths-based approach.
• Work collaboratively across agencies and boundaries.
• Share information promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain oversight and support, even if a young person is not eligible for adult services.
• Involve young people in planning and decision-making.
• Be alert to increased risks at points of transition, and act to prevent young people “falling through the net.”