CYP Now - Social Care News: Transitional Care - Service integration needs investment

Local authorities will have to take risks and invest if they are to develop better social care structures that prevent vulnerable young people being left to flounder when they make the transition from children's to adult services, a conference was told.

A lack of continuity in services for those approaching adulthood can mean a traumatic shift for service users, social care consultant Vic Citarella told delegates at the annual social services conference last week.

Many authorities are mired in confusion when it comes to the concept of integrating children's and adults services according to Sue Hare, leader of the Rotherham Pathfinder project to integrate children's services.

While some councils don't know where to start, others are sceptical that integration will work, delegates heard.

Hare said it was vital to improve communication to provide quality services, and in particular tackle the "black hole" of mental health services for 16- to 18-year-olds.

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