Child in Need Assessment Guide UK: Section 17 Explained

What is a Child in Need?

Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, a child is "in need" if:

• They are unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development without services
• Their health or development is likely to be significantly impaired without services
• They are disabled

When a child is assessed as being "in need," the local authority has a duty to provide services to safeguard and promote their welfare.

When is a CIN Assessment Needed?

A CIN assessment may be needed when:

• A child has additional needs that cannot be met through universal services
• A child has disabilities requiring specialist support
• Family circumstances are affecting the child's wellbeing
• Early help has been tried but isn't sufficient
• A referral raises concerns that don't meet the threshold for Section 47
• A child is stepping down from a child protection plan

The Assessment Process

Step 1: Referral

Referrals can come from:

• Parents or family members
• Schools and education settings
• Health professionals
• Police
• Other agencies or members of the public

The MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) or front door team will screen the referral to decide on the appropriate response.

Step 2: Allocation

If a CIN assessment is agreed, the case is allocated to a social worker who will lead the assessment. This should happen promptly - ideally within 24-48 hours of the referral.

Step 3: Information Gathering

The social worker gathers information from:

• The child: Their views, wishes, and feelings
• Parents/carers: Their perspective and history
• Other family members: Where relevant
• Other agencies: Schools, health, police, etc.
• Records: Previous involvement, assessments, etc.

Step 4: Home Visits

The assessment must include seeing the child and their living environment. This should involve:

• Seeing and speaking to the child alone (if appropriate)
• Observing the child's presentation and behaviour
• Meeting parents/carers
• Viewing the home environment
• Observing family interactions

Step 5: Analysis

The social worker analyses the information gathered using the assessment framework:

• Child's developmental needs: Health, education, emotional development, identity, relationships, social presentation, self-care
• Parenting capacity: Basic care, safety, emotional warmth, stimulation, guidance, stability
• Family and environmental factors: History, housing, employment, income, community

Step 6: Outcome Decision

The assessment should conclude with one of the following outcomes:

• No further action: Child's needs can be met without social work involvement
• Signpost to early help: Needs can be met through universal or targeted services
• Child in Need plan: Ongoing support from children's social care
• Step up to Section 47: If concerns about significant harm emerge

Timescales

Working Together 2023 states that assessments should be completed within 45 working days of referral. However:

• Assessments should be completed as quickly as possible
• Simple assessments may take just a few days
• Complex cases may require more time
• The focus should be on quality and timeliness, not hitting 45 days

The Child in Need Plan

If the assessment identifies unmet needs, a CIN plan should be developed:

What the Plan Should Include

• Clear, measurable objectives
• What needs to change and by when
• Services to be provided
• Who is responsible for each action
• Timescales for review
• Contingency if progress isn't made

Developing the Plan

The plan should be developed in partnership with:

• The child (age-appropriate involvement)
• Parents and carers
• Relevant professionals

A CIN meeting may be held to agree the plan. This is less formal than a child protection conference but brings together family and professionals.

CIN Reviews

CIN cases should be reviewed regularly:

• First review typically within 4-6 weeks of the plan starting
• Subsequent reviews at least every 6-12 weeks
• More frequent reviews may be needed if concerns arise

At Each Review, Consider:

• Is the plan working?
• Are objectives being met?
• Are services being delivered?
• Has the child's situation improved?
• Does the plan need to change?
• Should involvement continue, step down, or step up?

Visiting Frequency

There are no statutory minimum visiting requirements for CIN cases, but most local authorities have guidance. Typical expectations include:

• Visits at least every 4-6 weeks
• Seeing the child at each visit
• Seeing the child alone where appropriate
• Unannounced visits where there are concerns

When to Step Up to Child Protection

A CIN case should be escalated to Section 47 if:

• New information suggests the child is at risk of significant harm
• Parents are not engaging with the plan
• The child's situation is deteriorating
• Services are not making a difference
• Professional concerns increase

Don't wait for a crisis - escalate early if thresholds are met.

Closing CIN Cases

A CIN case can be closed when:

• The child's needs have been met
• Sustainable changes have been made
• Universal or early help services can meet ongoing needs
• The family has moved out of area (with appropriate transfer)

Before Closing

• Ensure the family knows the case is closing
• Provide information about how to access help in future
• Complete a closing summary
• Ensure any ongoing services are in place

Common Challenges

Parental Engagement

If parents are reluctant to engage:

• Be clear about concerns and what needs to change
• Explain the consequences of non-engagement
• Consider whether reluctance indicates higher risk
• Document attempts to engage

Drift

CIN cases can sometimes drift without progress. Combat this by:

• Setting clear timescales in the plan
• Reviewing regularly
• Being clear about escalation criteria
• Using supervision to review progress

Recording

Good CIN recording includes:

• Clear, factual visit records
• The child's voice and views
• Analysis, not just description
• Progress against plan objectives
• Professional judgement and rationale

Key Takeaways

• CIN is about providing support to children whose needs aren't being met
• Assessment should be completed within 45 working days
• Always see and speak to the child
• Plans should be specific, measurable, and reviewed regularly
• Step up to Section 47 if significant harm concerns arise
• Good recording and analysis are essential throughout