The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a new report on child in need plans, exploring the content of the plans and the support offered to families on them. Drawing on data from a sample of child in need plans, key findings include: the purpose of child in need plans was not always clear, with differences in understanding and views between social workers and parents; a lack of consistency in support offered through child in need plans; and difficulties measuring the progress of plans. Recommendations include: national thresholds to be set for determining the level of need that children and families must meet to be offered support through a child in need plan under Section 17; and guidance on expectations for how often children receive help and how frequently that help is reviewed when on a child in need plan.
Read the report: What is this plan for?: the purpose and content of children in need plans
Source: Children’s Commissioner for England
Date published: 04 November 2024
