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.
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What is a child in need assessment?
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
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:
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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
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their health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision of services from the Local Authority
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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 respite. It may also include financial assistance that may take the form of a cash payment or a loan or vouchers or other cash in kind, e.g providing furniture, clothing, etc.
