A Transition Guide for All Services - Transition Information Network

services are only part of what people want and need; planning whatservices you need comes after planning what sort of a life you want.Chapter 1: The transition processPerson-centred approaches5 The plan results in ongoing listening, learning and action.Putting the plan into action helps the person to achieve what theywant out of life.Person-centred approaches are not a one-off event. They are based on theassumption that people have futures, that their aspirations will change andgrow with their experiences, and that the pattern of support and servicesthat are agreed now will therefore not work forever. Person-centredapproaches are a promise to people based on learning through sharedaction, about finding creative solutions rather than fitting people into boxes.They are about about problem-solving and working together over time tocreate change in the person’s life, in the community and in organisations. Tofulfil this promise, we need to reflect on successes and failures, try newthings and learn from them and negotiate, and resolve conflict together.Information above adapted from Valuing People: A new strategy forlearning disability for the 21st century: planning with people towardsperson-centred approaches: guidance for implementation groups, 2002,DH, p14.As use of person-centred approaches develops, many areas report difficultyin knowing how to make this system available for all young people whoneed it. Capacity to conduct the review process so all children and youngpeople benefit – and a tangible improvement in outcomes can bedemonstrated – is an area needing further thought and development forlocal authorities and their partners.Effective practiceUsing person-centred approaches in developing a transition plan withdisabled young people and their families puts them at the centre of theprocess and can ensure they have control of the transition process. There isa range of emerging practice examples illustrating how using a personcentredapproach at transition can not only benefit the disabled youngperson and their family, but also give professionals involved in the process aclear idea of what is needed to encourage and support the disabled youngperson to succeed.Person-centred Transition ReviewsThe Valuing People national team have developed a piece of workwhich brings a person-centred approach to year 9 reviews. In2005–06 70 local authorities took part in training for staff in usingthis new approach. Over 140 young people received personcentredtransition reviews. The aim of the work is to transformtransition reviews by enabling disabled young people to thinkabout what is important to them, what support they need andwhat is working and not working in their life. This can help local22