For a young person turning 18, the world becomes a different place, a time when thought is given to new educational opportunities, employment or travel. For a young person who relies on public services, this a time can be a real period of trepidation and worry. Whether it is services such as mental health provision, children’s social care or special educational needs (SEND) services, this point of transition in to adulthood is a critical juncture in their lives.

We must ask ourselves, are we doing enough to aid the transition between children’s social care and adult social care? Are we doing enough to join up across the public sector? Are we taking as wide a view as possible to think holistically about transitions and ensuring a joined up approach to improve outcomes? Our view is that taking a more balanced approach can enable organisations across the public sector to improve outcomes. Our balanced methodology looks at transitions through four different lenses: