This section covers young people who may not be eligible for adult social care but with remaining vulnerabilities.
This section covers young people who may have been assessed as not currently eligible for adult social care but with remaining vulnerabilities. All the information set out in the other sections of this guide are also relevant to this group of young people.
Councils can arrange an independent advocate for young people where needed if they would have substantial difficulty in being involved in care and support assessment, planning, or reviews and have no appropriate person to support them.
There are many organisations locally and nationally that offer support, guidance and advice If a young person with a learning disability and autistic young person does not meet adult social care criteria and has remaining vulnerabilities.
- Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): CAB offers free, confidential, and impartial advice for everyone on their rights and responsibilities, covering issues related to welfare, housing, employment, and more.
- Independent Advocacy Agencies: Look for local advocacy organizations that specialize in supporting individuals with disabilities. They can help navigate complex systems and articulate personal needs and rights. POhWER, VoiceAbility and Advocacy Matters: These are advocacy services in England that may have a local presence or contacts in specific regions.
- Together Matters: Have created a family planning guide for thinking ahead about moving to adult support.
- Local Healthwatch: Healthwatch can provide information and support about local health and social care services. They also collect feedback from the public to influence service provision.
- Local Autism and Learning Disability Charities: Organisations such as the National Autistic Society (NAS) and Mencap offer resources, support networks, and advice lines specifically tailored for young autistic people and people with a learning disability. They often provide guidance on individual rights and available services.
- Parent Carer Forums: These local groups, sometimes organised by the Council for Disabled Children or other regional bodies, consist of parents and carers who offer peer support and share experiences and resources, often advocating for better services.
- Local Autism Hub or Support Groups: Many areas have autism hubs or peer support groups that provide safe spaces for sharing experiences and accessing tailored information about support services and individual rights.
- SENDIAS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service): A dedicated service available in all local authorities that provides free, confidential support to parents and young people concerning educational and health-related decisions.
- Local Authority's Own Resources: Many councils have dedicated teams or departments that can provide information on local services, financial advice, and support planning for those with disabilities.
- Online Resources and Signposting: Encourage the use of local council websites, which often have directories of services and support options. Websites from partnerships such as Scope's online community offer valuable resources and guides.
- Community Centre’s and Libraries: These can be hubs for information and often host sessions or have informational materials on local services, charities, and advocacy groups for people with disabilities and their carers.
- Local Support Groups: Many communities have local organisations dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities or autism. These groups often offer social events, workshops, and peer support, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
- Online Communities: Digital platforms can provide support and connection, especially if in-person interactions are challenging. Engaging with these organisations can help people build a supportive network and access resources that align with their personal needs and interests.
- Partnership with Local Organisations: Collaborate with voluntary organisations, local charities, and community groups that specialize in support for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Build partnerships to facilitate referrals and create a seamless support network.
- Community-Based Support Initiatives: Develop or fund community-based initiatives that offer support groups, peer mentoring, and social activities. These initiatives can be crucial for individuals who might otherwise fall outside statutory eligibility criteria.
- Empowerment and Self-Advocacy Resources: Provide resources and training to empower individuals to advocate for themselves. Encourage the use of tools and forums that enhance self-advocacy abilities and provide confidence in navigating systems.