Information for Parents, Carers and Families
Sometimes children and families need more support than can be provided through schools, health services or Early Help.
A child may need extra support because their health, development or wellbeing is being affected, or because they have a disability.
When this happens, Children’s Social Care may become involved under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This is known as a Child in Need plan.
The aim is to work with families to improve things for children and make sure they receive the help and support they need.
What Does Child in Need Mean?
A Child in Need is a child who needs additional support to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development.
This may be because:
- They have additional needs or a disability.
- They are experiencing difficulties at home.
- Their health, wellbeing or development is being affected.
- Their family needs support to meet their needs.
Being a Child in Need does not mean your child is on a Child Protection Plan.
It means professionals believe your child would benefit from additional support.
What Happens Next?
If Children’s Social Care believe a Child in Need plan may help:
- A Social Worker will be allocated to your family.
- They will get to know your child and family.
- They will complete an assessment.
- They will talk to you about what is working well and where support may be needed.
- They may speak with your child’s school, health professionals and other services involved with your family.
The purpose is to understand what support may help your child and family.
Will My Child Stay at Home?
In most cases, yes.
Most children supported through a Child in Need plan continue to live at home with their family whilst support is provided.
The focus is on helping families make positive changes and improving outcomes for children.
What is a Child in Need Plan?
A Child in Need Plan is a written plan that sets out:
- What is going well.
- What worries professionals and families may have.
- What needs to improve.
- What support will be provided.
- Who will provide support.
- When progress will be reviewed.
The plan should be clear, achievable and focused on improving things for the child.
How Often Will We Meet?
Regular meetings will take place to review progress.
These meetings are often held every few weeks and bring together the family and professionals involved with supporting the child.
Meetings help everyone understand:
- What has improved.
- What support is helping.
- What still needs to change.
- Whether the plan is working.
What Will the Social Worker Do?
Your Social Worker will:
- Get to know your child and family.
- Listen to your views.
- Listen to your child’s views.
- Visit your family.
- Help coordinate support.
- Monitor progress against the plan.
- Work with other professionals to make sure the right help is available.
The Social Worker should explain things clearly and answer any questions you may have.
What Support Might Be Offered?
Support will depend on your family’s circumstances.
This may include help with:
- Parenting.
- School attendance.
- Emotional wellbeing.
- Family relationships.
- Mental health.
- Housing.
- Finances.
- Disability support.
- Accessing local services.
Every family’s plan will be different.
What Happens If Things Improve?
As progress is made, support may reduce.
A Child in Need Plan may:
- Continue if support is still needed.
- Step down to Early Help.
- Close if difficulties have been resolved and support is no longer required.
The aim is always to make sure families receive the right support at the right time.
What Happens If Professionals Become More Worried?
Sometimes new information emerges or risks increase.
If professionals become concerned that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, Children’s Social Care may need to carry out further enquiries under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989.
If this happens, the Social Worker will explain the process and what it means for your family.
Your Rights
Throughout a Child in Need process you should:
- Be treated with respect.
- Be involved in decisions.
- Have things explained clearly.
- Be able to ask questions.
- Receive copies of relevant plans and reports.
- Be listened to.
- Be supported to take part in meetings.
Children and young people should also have opportunities to share their views and wishes.
Where Can I Get Support?
Your Social Worker
If you have a Child in Need plan, your Social Worker should be your first point of contact.
Family Hubs
Family Hubs offer practical advice and support for families.
Telephone: 0800 783 4645
Early Help
South Tyneside Early Help Services
Children’s Social Care
Telephone: 0191 424 5010
Out of Hours: 0191 456 2093
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I in trouble if my child is a Child in Need?
No.
A Child in Need plan is about providing support to children and families. It does not mean you are in trouble or that your child will automatically be removed from your care.
Can I disagree with professionals?
Yes.
You can ask questions, share your views and discuss any concerns you have.
Can I bring someone to meetings?
Yes.
You can usually bring a family member, friend or supporter to meetings.
Key Message
A Child in Need Plan is designed to provide extra help and support when a child’s health, development or wellbeing is being affected. The aim is to work alongside families, build on strengths and make sure children receive the support they need to thrive. Most children supported through a Child in Need plan continue living at home with their family while professionals work together to help improve outcomes.