When you turn 16, your new Personal Advisor will talk to you and other people who are important to you to find out more about you and what your needs are. They will help you to think about your future – what you are studying, what you want to do in the future and your independence skills. You should be involved in these meetings to be able to say what your wishes and feelings are. This is called a needs assessment, and is something the law says has to happen within 3 months after your 16th birthday. Your needs assessment is written into what is called a Pathway Plan. Although it may seem like more paperwork, your Pathway Plan is there to help you to take control of your life. It is there to help you to plan future goals and tasks, and to deal with any worries you have or challenges you may face.
A pathway plan will help you to:
Your pathway plan will be written down and you will get a copy of this. You will have this plan until you are 21 or 24 if you are in further education or training.
Your Personal Advisor will keep working with you until you are 18, and will help you plan for the future and continue to make sure that you are safe and that all of your needs are met.
