RCGP Safeguarding toolkit

“Abuse and exploitation doesn’t end at 18 years of age, and yet many of our services for adults are designed to support only those people with ongoing care and support needs. This doesn’t reflect the evidence regarding people’s needs during this developmental life stage and is why many local areas are seeking to adopt a more transitional approach to safeguarding.” (Fran Leddra, Chief Social Worker for Adults, 2021).

What is transitional safeguarding?

• Transitional safeguarding is not simply about safeguarding processes for young people transitioning between services or out of a service -it is about the transition to adulthood itself, which is a journey rather than an event.
• Safeguarding systems for those aged under 18 and those over 18 operate to different thresholds, legislative frameworks and eligibility criteria. This binary approach does not serve young people well and many face a ‘cliff edge’ as they approach age 18 and they risk being left without support during this critical life-stage.
• Transitional safeguarding recognises that the nature of risks and harm may change as children go through adolescence and emerge into adulthood, including greater exposure to risks outside the home, such as criminal or sexual exploitation, drug trafficking and community violence.
• Transitional safeguarding recognises that every young person experiences their transition into adulthood differently, and at different ages, according to their individual circumstances, life history, experiences and maturation.
• Transitional safeguarding is not a set of defined activities but is a systemic approach and way of thinking.

What can general practice do to support transitional safeguarding?

• General practice is a unique service as we care for all age groups, and over a period of time.
• We are skilled in providing holistic, life-long care so are ideally placed to recognise when there is a need for transitional safeguarding.
• Recognise that young people who are being abused and exploited may continue to be abused and exploited when they become 18 years old.
• Recognise when young people may need ongoing safeguarding input once they become 18 years old and highlight this as early as possible to other services involved with the child.
• If the young person is under multi-agency child safeguarding/protection processes, ask what plans are in place for when the young person becomes 18 years.
• Engage with transition plans to ensure children who are on child protection plans or who are in care, and have health needs, e.g. diabetes, asthma, mental health difficulties, are supported to manage their health when they move over to adult health services where they may not get the same intensive input as child services.
• Take a person-centred and human rights-based approach.
• Discuss with the young person what their needs may be when they become 18 years. For example, mental health needs, physical health needs, housing needs (be alert to risks of homelessness), education/work opportunities.
• Signpost or refer young people as needed. For example, arranging an appointment with the practice social prescriber as soon as they become 18 years (as many social prescribers are not able to see anyone under 18 years old).

References

• Department of Health and Social Care. Bridging the gap: transitional safeguarding and the role of social work with adults. 2021.