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Down Syndrome Ireland

HSE Day Service School Leaver Pathway

A HSE Day Opportunities Officer (DOO) works mainly with young people leaving school who have a diagnosed intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or a physical and/or sensory disability.

The school works alongside the young person, their family, and the DOO to identify a suitable HSE-funded day service.

As part of this process, the parents will be given a form by the school to complete this referral will be sent to the HSE coordination team. The Carer Guidance teacher will inform the HSE DOO with an Understanding Support Needs / Support Profile, which:

What is a HSE Day Service?

A HSE Day Service acts as a hub supporting individuals to access community-based activities and opportunities aligned with their goals and ambitions.

Supports are guided by a Person-Centred Plan (PCP) and developed in consultation with the individual and their family, in line with the national New Directions Policy.

For more information on New Directions, click here.

School Leaver Process Step by Step

The school leaver process begins the second last year before a young person finishes school.

Step 1: Second last year around March/April

Referral Stage

  • School Leaver Referral Form and Consent Form are completed and submitted.
  • The young person is added to the national Day Services database.
  • A Day Opportunities Officer (DOO) is assigned based on the family’s geographical area.
Step 2: April to September

Information Gathering

  • The DO Officer contacts the family.
  • Relevant reports and information are gathered from:
    • School staff
    • Psychology services
    • Respite services
    • Autism services
    • Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs)
    • Other professionals involved
  • A school visit takes place to meet:
    • The young person
    • Teachers and support staff
Step 3: Last year September to January

Support Needs Profile

  • A home visit is arranged with the family.
  • The Funding Profile of Support Needs is completed (approximately 1½ hours).
  • This looks at daily living skills and support requirements.
  • All gathered information contributes to the funding application.
  • The DO Officer identifies the service best suited to the young person’s needs.
Step 4: February to March

Service Visits and Sampling

  • Families and school leavers visit identified day service options.
  • Where possible, a sampling period is offered.
  • The young person attends activities or modules to experience the service.
  • Following a successful sampling period, transition planning begins.
Step 5: September

Starting the Day Service

  • The young person begins attending their new day service.
  • A review (if not offered, request one) meeting takes place approximately 8–12 weeks after starting to:
    • Review progress
    • Ensure the young person has settled in
    • Address any supports needs

Tips from Parents: Supporting a Smooth Transition

Parents and families have shared helpful ideas that can make transitions into a new service or setting easier and less overwhelming.

Start Slowly

Your person does not need to attend full-time straight away. A gradual introduction can help build confidence and reduce anxiety. Begin with shorter visits and increase time as they become more comfortable.

Use a Social Story

Create a social story before starting. This helps explain what will happen, who they will meet, and what they can expect in a clear and reassuring way.

Use Photos to Build Familiarity

Ask for photos of the premises, including:

Looking at these photos together beforehand helps your person recognise the environment and feel more prepared when attending, also helps when recalling the day’s events after they start.

Prepare for Staff Changes

If a staff member your person has bonded with is leaving, allow extra time for adjustment. Gradual introductions to new staff and reassurance during this period can make a big difference.

Remember: Every transition takes time. Moving at your person’s pace helps build trust, confidence, and positive experiences.

This is a good resource for staff leaving, from the Adult Down Syndrome Center.