National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for young disabled people: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

4. Gaps in Evidence

Further to the evidence described already, which 'gaps' in evidence may prevent determination of impact?

We have identified good evidence for the Strategy for Disabled Children and Young People, as set out in the Transitions to adulthood for disabled young people: literature review.

The Literature Review identified that there are a number of gaps in knowledge about transitions. These include but are not limited to:

• Particular settings such as social care, education, employment and housing.
• Particular life-course issues such as independent living, relationships and citizenship.
• Particular health conditions such as autism/Asperger's, sensory impairments, mental health.
• Protected characteristics such as sex or race.
• Intersectionality (when a person has more than one protected characteristic).

There is evidence that young people with learning and developmental disabilities can face particular difficulties in a range of transitions (including employment and independent living), but there is limited evidence beyond this.

To mitigate this, data is included as a specific priority within the Strategy, and we are working closely with analysts and policy areas which impact on transitions to consider ways of both improving data collection and utilising data to improve policies that support transitions for young disabled people.

From feedback on the Statement of Intent, some respondents noted that for children and young people with complex needs who are unable to voice their opinions, the people that support them such as parents and carers must be listened to. We are therefore working more closely with organisations who support parents and carers of young disabled people with complex needs. We will also continue to work with organisations during the Strategy Implementation to consider where we can make further action to rectify the evidence gaps identified.