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Preparation for Adulthood Team (16 to 25 Service)
What is PfA?
Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) describes the process of moving from childhood into adult life. Our team seeks to ensure that young people aged 16-25 with physical or learning disabilities have targeted support to meet their aspirations. The focus is around 4 areas:
- employment
- independent living
- community inclusion
- health.
We understand that the needs of each individual are different and we work alongside young people so that they have a say on what they want for their future.
For information on what Annual Reviews should include from Year 9 and the different routes into employment, please take a look at our co-produced Preparation for Adulthood Pathway (PDF).
Who are the PfA Team?
The PfA team are made up of Social Workers, Community Care Officers and Occupational Therapists. The team is motivated and committed to work together with young people, their families, carers and other partners to ensure they have equal opportunities. The team is split into 4 areas; South, East, West and Keighley, each including Social Workers supporting both children and adults. This enables us to have a better understanding, knowledge and relationships with the services in each area. We also have a dedicated Duty Team who work with young people for up to 6 months to provide short term support to enable them to be more independent.
What people told us they want from PfA
“To be afforded the same opportunities as everyone else. To live the life you want with your hopes, dreams and ambitions being seen. To be able to find employment and develop meaningful relationships and ultimately live the life you want”
PfA Vocational Profiles "Getting it Right"
Vocational profiles are a tool which support young people (particularly from year 9 onwards) to gather their views, interests, skills and aspirations, with a view to giving them the best opportunities to prepare for adulthood. This vocational profile (PDF) has been jointly developed by social workers and High Park School in Bradford and has been shared with other special schools in Bradford to help them develop the best tools to prepare young people for adulthood. These are also used in conjunction with social workers at crucial points of transition for young people such as 'leaving school' or 'leaving college'. A well thought out and detailed vocational profile can support young people with disabilities to achieve their aspirations such as having an active social life, achieving independent living or travel, managing their own money or reaching important education milestones and employment opportunities.
Who do we work with?
The PfA team work with young people aged between 16 to 25 and who are:
- Resident in Bradford
- Have an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP)
- Have complex needs as a result of a diagnosed moderate, severe or profound learning disability
- And/or a severe physical disability
When we can become involved?
- To support with PfA for young people 16 and over and who already receive a service from Children’s Social Care
- As part of the EHCP Reviewing Process for young people aged 16 or over who meet our criteria
- When young people are preparing to leave school or college
How can the PfA team help?
- Making sure EHCP Reviews for young people 16 and over include aspirations and goals for adulthood
- Supporting young people to build relationships through signposting to activities and support in their local area
- Supporting young people to access work based learning moving towards employment
- Help individuals to live independently. This might include support with daily living tasks such as budgeting, cooking, independent travel
- Supporting young people to access mainstream and specialist provision where appropriate
Finding out more about the PFA team
Any referrals or enquiries can be made to the duty team on 01274 435750.
You can also follow our twitter page for updates and information @PFAteambradford.