Much has been written over the years about the change process and change management, how to survive and indeed thrive on transformation in service structures and philosophies. There has been less focus on the individual whose identity remains constant but who, as a result of the disjunctures in organisational structures, has to negotiate a series of transitions from one arena to another. Moreover, such transitions may be accompanied by uncertainties and a potential change of status may generate anxiety and distress. This volume explores a range of transitions that are commonly encountered by those likely to receive support from children's or adults’ services. While some of these occur because of people moving across organisational boundaries, others are triggered as a result of decisions taken by individuals themselves. The aim is to promote policy and practice that can enable these transitions to be achieved with the most effective outcomes for the individuals concerned.

Transitions are of course a regular occurrence across an individual's lifetime. The majority of people move from childhood to adulthood and from education to work; many will move into relationships, parenting and grandparenting; will move in and out of the labour market; will experience ageing and possibly physical moves and transitions in health status associated with that stage. Many argue that transition should be considered as a process rather than as a single event, a period of adjustment and recalibration. Such an approach allows particular appreciation of the potential consequences of the unanticipated event, the sudden illness, death or disruption that may precipitate a period of crisis.

When the term ‘transitions’ is used in the context of social services, it is usually the stage of transition from child to adult and from children's to adults’ services that first comes to mind. Particular attention is often focused on those for whom this may present additional challenges, for example young people with learning disabilities or mental health problems or children leaving the care system. However, transitions occur both throughout the stages of the life cycle and also within each stage and there are a range of other transitions that are of relevance to our target audience.