Meaningful adult social care reform requires a life course approach

Adult social care is at a pivotal moment. If plans to accelerate the Casey Review help deliver timely, evidence-informed recommendations and build momentum for meaningful, properly resourced reform, this would be a positive step forward for a system facing significant and longstanding pressures.

At its best, adult social care enables preventative support that helps people remain independent, connected to their communities, and able to live fulfilling lives. A strong adult social care system is fundamental to a strong NHS, when properly resourced and empowered to work preventatively, it can reduce the need for more intensive interventions and support people to make successful transitions from hospital and other healthcare settings back into their homes and communities. However, the value of social care extends far beyond relieving pressure on health services. It enables people to maintain relationships and participate in their communities throughout their lives. It is positive to hear greater recognition of the role care professionals play in supporting people through different stages of life. 

A life course approach can only be achieved with a skilled, valued and well-supported workforce that has the capacity to build relationships, provide preventative support and respond to changing needs over time. 

Too often, the transition from Children's Services into Adult Services creates barriers rather than providing a platform for a successful adulthood. Changes must strengthen support through key life transitions and recognise the close interconnections between Children's and Adults' Services. 

As we highlighted in our response to the Casey Review and the Minister's recent letter, we are pleased to see Transitional Safeguarding included in the planned updates to Care Act 2014 guidance. Bringing this work forward sends an important signal that adults of all ages, including young people moving into adulthood, should be supported by a social care system that recognises changing risks, relationships and support needs.

We were also encouraged by the Prime Minister’s remarks on homelessness, which demonstrate an understanding that the challenges people face do not sit neatly within organisational or departmental boundaries. It is essential to bring this insight into adult social care if we are to develop solutions that reflect people's lived realities.

Adult social care outcomes are shaped not only by health services but also by poverty, welfare policy, housing, employment opportunities, community support and access to financial security. Experiences in childhood and transitions into adulthood have a lasting impact on people's ability to live independently and well. Policymakers must consider adult social care alongside wider social and economic policy, recognising the cumulative impact of decisions made across these areas. This must include greater recognition of unpaid carers, whose support often spans generations and underpins the resilience of families and communities. Adult social care reform should not only value carers' contributions but ensure they receive the support they need in their own right.

Change should be guided by evidence and shaped with people who draw on care and support, alongside families, carers and practitioners. Sustainable change will depend on balancing urgency with genuine co-production and a clear commitment to improving people's lives.

This is a significant opportunity to move beyond identifying challenges and towards delivering long-term solutions. We look forward to responding to the consultation announced by Baroness Casey and working with government and partners to ensure reform is informed by evidence, shaped by lived experience and focused on improving outcomes for people of all ages throughout their lives.