DEVON County Council (DCC) is launching a series of online sessions for young people to learn about the support available as they approach adulthood.
The sessions are designed for residents, young people, and those who support them professionally or as carers; they aim to provide essential skills and information to help individuals live as independently as possible and ensure a smooth transition to adulthood.
A spokesperson for DCC said: ‘To help young people with disabilities and their parents understand what’s ahead of them, we are launching a series of online support sessions as an opportunity for people to learn about the support available to young people as they approach adulthood and turn 18 years old, as well as advice and resources for parents, carers and professionals who support them.’
Led by subject matter experts, each session will cover a different topic, including independent living and housing options, money management and training and employment opportunities.
Councillor Lois Samuel, DCC’s cabinet member with responsibility for services that support young people with special educational needs and disabilities, said: ‘These years are so important to young people – a time for new opportunities and choices.
‘For young people with additional needs, who may already be known to our children’s services or local health services, it’s a time during which they will ‘transition’ from our children’s services to adults’ services.
‘These online sessions are designed to help young people and their families to understand what they can expect, what the opportunities ahead of them are, and to help individuals and families be ambitious about their futures.
‘They will also help signpost young people and their families to further advice and support to help their decision making.’
The first session takes place on Tuesday, February 11, and will be about understanding the differences between Children’s and Adult’s Services, the support they give, and how this will impact young people during their transition into adulthood.