Principles

Core transitions guidance

The 7 Principles of Good Transitions

Introduction

What are The Principles?

The Principles provide a framework to inform, structure and encourage the continual improvement of support for young people with additional needs between the ages of 14 and 25 who are making the transition to young adult life.

The seven principles we set out have been endorsed by many organisations that provide support for young people with additional support needs, the Scottish Government and national bodies. They are already being used to shape improvements within organisations, local authorities and at a national level.

Taking action

How should I use them?

As a frontline worker:

Principles Into Practice invites you to explore and improve practice within your own organisation and to work in partnership with others to better co-ordinate support across all services.

This will involve you working with external partners as well as with young people and their parents and carers. It will enable you to collectively meet legislative and regulatory requirements while supporting the implementation of a range of Scottish Government policy areas including: Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), Additional Support for Learning, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

As a strategic lead:

As a starting point, you may consider using Principles into Practice with a specific service area, a geographic locality within your local authority, or with a particular beneficiary group to focus your improvements. Alternatively, you may wish to use it for all young people who require additional support throughout your authority area. Whatever you choose, your work should span all seven ‘Principles’ and involve a wide range of partners.

Achieving a joint commitment to improvement between relevant agencies is therefore your first step. You can also use it within individual services and teams. However long term sustainable improvements are more likely to be achieved when working in collaboration with others, with a strategic commitment at a local authority level.

Who we are

ARC Scotland

We believe it is possible to achieve a Scotland that values everyone. Change happens when people connect, learn and act together.

We connect people with lived experience with those who plan and deliver the support and services they receive. Together we deliver practical changes to systems, practice, policy and people's lives.

The Principles

The Principles of Good Transitions are 7 evidence-based principles based on the law and what research tells us works best to support young people with additional support needs transitioning to adulthood. Principles into Practice sets out how to apply these principles in your local authority area.

The 7 Principles of Good Transitions

Planning and decision making should be carried out in a person-centred way.

Support should be co-ordinated across all services.

Planning should start early and continue up to age 25.

Young people should get the support they need.

Young people, parents and carers must have access to the information they need.

Families and carers need support.

A continued focus on transitions across Scotland.

What are The Principles?

How should I use them?

ARC Scotland

Our Partners

Stay informed