When we hold a Child in Need meeting

If we think a child is in need, we’ll arrange a meeting and agree on a plan to support them and their family.

It's voluntary to take part in this process.

What to expect from a Child in Need meeting

The purpose of a Child in Need meeting is so the child, their parents or carers and key agencies can identify and agree on what services the child will need.

Whenever possible, the meetings should include the child’s views depending on their age and understanding.

Your social worker will invite you and your child to the meeting and tell you who may attend.

During the meeting, all participants will work together to develop a Child in Need plan. The chair of the meeting is responsible for sending the plan to anyone who may be involved. 

At the first Child in Need meeting, your child will be transferred to one of the Child in Need teams. We will make sure to keep your child’s needs at the centre of the handover process.

When we create a Child in Need plan

We create a Child in Need plan when a child needs the support of multiple education, health and social services.

A child in need is defined under the Children Act 1989 as a child:

  • who is unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable level of health or development
  • whose health is likely to be significantly or further impaired without the provision of services
  • who is disabled

What to expect from a Child in Need plan

The plan must include:

  • who the lead professional is – this will be the child’s social worker
  • any resources or services needed to achieve the outcomes with an agreed timeframe
  • who is responsible for which action and the time it will take them

Your social worker will carry out the plan, including making any referrals to appropriate agencies if necessary.

If we need to make any adjustments to the plan or services provided, we’ll consult with you, your child (where appropriate) and any other agencies.

We’ll respond to any child protection or safeguarding issues that happen during a Child in Need plan in line with the London Safeguarding Children Procedures.

What to expect from a Child in Need review

The purpose of a review is to make sure that all the services are meeting the objectives in the Child in Need plan within the timeframe.

We review the plan every 6 to 8 weeks, unless there are other circumstances such as children who need consistent support, which do not need regular review. If there are significant changes in your family circumstances, we’ll arrange an earlier review.

Your social worker will carry out the review and make sure to include the views of parents or carers, the child and any service providers.

The review will help us decide if:

  • the child is no longer considered a Child in Need who needs our intervention services
  • the child will continue to be a Child in Need with the same level of services
  • the child is at risk of significant harm so we need to arrange a strategy meeting and possibly arrange a Section 47 Enquiry (child protection enquiry)

We’ll share the minutes of the meeting with the child (if they are old enough), parents or cares and any other participants.

If we amend the Child in Need plan, your social worker should send a copy to you, your child (where appropriate) and any new services that need to be involved.