Bridging the Gap: Transitional Safeguarding and Exploitation

Bridging the Gap: Transitional Safeguarding and Exploitation

As young people move towards adulthood, the risks associated with exploitation and other forms of contextual harm do not simply disappear when they turn 18. Yet the transition from children’s to adults’ services can often create gaps in support, leaving some young people vulnerable at a critical stage in their lives.

To help professionals explore these challenges and strengthen safeguarding responses, the Yorkshire & Humber Multi-Agency Safeguarding Trainers (YHMAST) are hosting a regional conference focused on Transitional Safeguarding and Exploitation.

Why Transitional Safeguarding Matters

Young people affected by exploitation frequently continue to experience significant risks beyond their 18th birthday. Changes in safeguarding responsibilities, eligibility thresholds and service provision can make this period particularly complex for young people, families and practitioners. A Transitional Safeguarding approach seeks to bridge these gaps, ensuring support remains responsive to young people’s needs as they move into adulthood.

What the Conference Will Explore

Building on the success of YHMAST’s Transitional Safeguarding Masterclass held in November 2025, this year’s conference will bring together professionals from across Yorkshire and Humber to consider how a Transitional Safeguarding approach can strengthen responses to exploitation. Through contributions from three expert speakers and a facilitated Q&A session, attendees will:

• Explore the relationship between Transitional Safeguarding and exploitation.
• Examine the experiences and needs of young people moving towards adulthood.
• Consider how children’s and adults’ services can work together more effectively.
• Share emerging learning, research and examples of local practice.

Event Details

Bridging the Gap: Transitional Safeguarding and Exploitation

📅 Tuesday 29 September 2026
🕤 9.30am to 1.00pm
💻 Microsoft Teams
🎫 Free to attend for Yorkshire and Humber professionals

The event is open to strategic leaders, managers and practitioners working across safeguarding partnerships, children’s social care, adult social care, health, education, youth justice, policing, community safety, housing and the voluntary and community sector.

Register Your Place

YHMAST is currently confirming its speakers and further details will be shared as they are announced. Registration is already open, and professionals are encouraged to secure their place early.

Register here: YHMAST Transitional Safeguarding Conference

This promises to be a valuable opportunity to explore how agencies can work together to better support young people experiencing exploitation as they transition into adulthood, helping to ensure that safeguarding remains effective, responsive and person-centred throughout their journey.