Service Overview; The Children in Need Team undertake a wide range of work with children and families who are in need of additional support or
keeping safe. In legal terms, a child in need is identified under Section 17 of the Children Act (1989) which details that local authorities have a
duty to ‘safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need’.
In order to receive a service from the Children in Need Team, an initial assessment would be completed to assess the child concerned within
their family. It maybe necessary to complete a more detailed assessment recognised as a core assessment This assessment is recognised as a
core assessment and allows a clear picture to be built up to show what help and support the child and their family may need. To do this
a Social Worker will collect information by talking to the child and people close to them, such as their parent, carer, teacher, or other professional.
The information that is collected is talked through with the child and their family and together a decision is made about what to do to solve the
difficulties that are being experienced.
This decision may result in;
No further action from the Children in Need service, therefore there would be no further involvement from the team and your case will be closed; or
A Social Worker will create a plan of support in partnership with the family to address the identified needs to promote the welfare of the child. This may
include obtaining services to support the family. This plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure that the child’s well-being is being addressed. This will
include on-going contact with key persons in the child’s life including parents, carers, teachers and other professionals. |