Joined up support: What models of transition planning and support have been most effective in maintaining connection, engagement, and trust in mental health services?
Background
The Promise recognises transitions from care into adulthood as a critical period, where young people can face abrupt changes in support, increased expectations of independence, and heightened risks around housing, finances, health, and wellbeing. It recognises that young people leaving care should not experience a ‘cliff edge’ of support, instead allowing for gradual, flexible transitions that reflect individual readiness, similar to the support available to many of their peers. Secure, trusting relationships and continuity of support are identified as central to positive transitions.
The ideal evidence base would help illuminate how different models of aftercare and continuing care operate in practice, and how they affect outcomes over time. This includes: evidence on the timing, intensity, and duration of support; the role of relationships with carers and professionals; and how support intersects with education, employment, housing, and health systems. Analytical insight is also needed into differential experiences and outcomes across groups.
Next steps
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Related UKRI funded projects
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The shaping of mental health and the mechanisms leading to (un)successful transitions for care-experienced young people
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Why might this be relevant?
This project specifically focuses on mental health and transitions for care-experienced young people, addressing the key aspects of the question.
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Why might this be relevant?
While the project focuses on care leavers' transitions to adulthood, it does not specifically address mental health, but it partially covers the question.
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At present it is estimated that over 75,000 children and young people are currently in state care in the UK (McGhee et al. 2017), with a larger proportion of the child population experiencing some form of state care at s...
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