This book powerfully sets out the case for Transitional Safeguarding, a new approach to protection and safeguarding designed to address the needs and behaviours of young people in their mid-teens to mid-twenties who are falling between gaps in current systems, with often devastating results.

Addressing these gaps, it outlines how the specific needs of young people can be met through this approach. Written by leading experts in this area with strong practice networks, it presents up-to-date evidence for its effectiveness, and also uses examples from practice to illustrate the ways in which services are beginning to address these issues.

“Captivating and inspiring. Each chapter is filled with enlightening messages and wisdom reminding us of the extraordinary resilience that is possible with the right approach. A must-read for every practitioner, policy maker, legal representative and academic.”

Emma Hill, Independent Social Worker

“This well-articulated book sets out the moments in our systems when young lives are caught in the service delivery gaps – the precarious moments between the way things are and the way things should be for our vulnerable young people facing the reality of safeguarding risks and challenges … The authors set out how to make the space created by the gap less treacherous, providing the reader with territory maps on how we can, every day, close the gap. The cost is our time. Reading and learning from this book was worth the currency for our young people’s future.”

Bev Hendricks, Haringey Safeguarding and Social Care

“An important contribution to practice … forcefully demonstrates how rights afforded to young people in one context can be taken away in another, leading to a complex interplay of power and powerlessness. With inspiring examples from national practice, leaders and practitioners will be supported to consider theoretical concepts, enabling a whole systems approach to transitional safeguarding.”

Nana Bonsu, Richmond and Wandsworth Adolescent and Clinical Services

Christine Cocker is Professor of Social Work and Head of the School of Social Work at the University of East Anglia. She is a qualified social worker with over 30 years experience working with children and families. She is an independent member of a permanence panel and the independent chair of the London Borough of Haringey Children’s Academy.

Dez Holmes is the Director of Research in Practice which supports those who work with children, families, and adults to use evidence in their practice and leadership. Her practice background is largely within youth justice and early help. She chairs the Contextual Safeguarding UK advisory group.

Adi Cooper is a qualified social worker and former Director of Adult Social Services. She was awarded the OBE in 2015 for services to adult social care and adult safeguarding.