Okuzeka
Social Work vocabulary · Child Protection and Safeguarding

Child in need

Meaning in social work, with examples

nounCommon term

In social work, child in need means: In UK law, a child who needs extra services to reach or keep a reasonable standard of health or development; every disabled child is included.

In Turkish: desteğe ihtiyacı olan çocuk, ihtiyaç sahibi çocuk

How it is used

Defined in section 17 of the Children Act 1989 and often shortened to CIN. A child in need plan is voluntary and works with the family's agreement; it reflects a lower level of concern than a child protection plan.

Example sentences

  1. After the assessment, Emre was supported as a child in need.

  2. The child in need plan includes speech therapy and help for his mother.

Common collocations

  • child in need plan
  • child in need meeting
  • section 17
  • child in need review
  • child protectionThe work of identifying children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, abuse or neglect and taking action to keep them safe.
  • family supportServices that help families cope with difficulties and bring up their children well, such as parenting groups, practical help and family support workers.
  • disabilityA long-term physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health condition that, combined with barriers in society, limits a person's daily activities.
  • assessmentThe process of gathering and analysing information about a person's situation, needs, strengths and risks in order to decide what help is needed.

More terms: Child Protection and Safeguarding

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