The Fostering Network
Home
0800 0407675
  • About us
  • Thinking of fostering?
  • Already fostering?
  • Resources
  • Fostering Services

About us

Want to learn more about Fosterline? 

Learn more
  • What we stand for
  • Contact us
  • FAQs about Fosterline
  • Job vacancies

Thinking of fostering?

If you are thinking of fostering, we have a range of information for you to explore. 

Learn more
  • What is fostering?
  • Why foster?
  • Who can foster?
  • How do I become a foster carer?
  • Fostering quiz
  • Preparing to foster guide
  • Find a Fostering Service
  • Events

Already fostering?

We have a range of information to support you throughout your fostering journey. 

Discover more
  • Preparing to welcome a child into your home
  • Safeguarding
  • Facing an allegation
  • Celebrating and supporting diversity
  • Caring for a child with a disability
  • Caring for an autistic child
  • Attachment and fostering
  • Fostering legislation
    • Legal status of children in foster care
    • Parental responsibility
    • Delegation of authority
    • Child in need assessment
    • Court orders
    • The Children's Act 1989
    • National minimum standards and fostering regulations
  • Fostering and education
  • Fostering and finances
  • Special Guardianship Order (SGO)
  • Training for foster carers
  • Advocacy for children and young people
  • Contact (family time)
  • Facing challenges
  • Complaints to fostering services
  • Transferring fostering services
  • Terms, reviews, and resignation
  • Fostering with pets
  • Fostering and insurance
  • Leaving care

Resources

We have a range of further resources for both current and prospective foster carers. 

See more
  • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Preparing to foster guide
  • Counselling
  • Other useful organisations

Fostering Services

Learn more about how we can support fostering services.

Learn more
  • Supporting foster carers
  • Recruitment and retention of foster carers

Our locations

  • England
  • Wales
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland

Connect with us

Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn
Please enter a search term

Useful pages

Find a fostering service Types of fostering Fostering and finances Contact us
Home Page Already fostering? Fostering legislation

Child in need assessment

What is a child in need assessment?

An assessment of a child in need is carried out under section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Under section 17, the child is not 'looked after' by the local authority and will not have a care plan, but there may be the requirement to implement a child in need plan. When a plan is put in place social workers or other professionals may be required to visit the child periodically. 

Pexels Photo 3933229

Anyone can contact social services to request a Child in Need assessment. An assessment is made where more than advice or information is required.

The assessment is usually carried out by a social worker and the child will be identified as a child in need if without the provision of additional services they are unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable level of expected health and or development

Girls Walking Away

An assessment of a child in need is carried out under section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

A child will be considered in need if: 

  • they are unlikely to achieve, maintain, or to have the opportunity to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development without provision of services from the Local Authority.
  • their health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision of services from the Local Authority.
  • they have a disability. 

Any service provided by a Local Authority may be provided for the family of a particular child in need or for any family member, if it is provided with a view to safeguarding or promoting the child’s welfare, as set out in the Children's Act 1989.

A Child in Need Plan will outline what is working well, what services are required to support the child and why, what agencies will provide the support, what action the family agree to make, what outcomes are anticipated and the timeframe including the reviews of the plan. 

Examples of support might include advice/guidance, social cultural or recreational activities, housing support, assistance with day care or short breaks care. It may also include financial assistance that may take the form of a cash payment, a loan, vouchers or other cash in kind (e.g. providing furniture, clothing, etc.).

The Fostering Network
The Fostering Network
Department for Education

About us

What we stand for

Job vacancies

Contact us

Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn