Glossary: In Need

Under Section 17 (10) of the Children Act 1989, a child is a Child in Need if:

• He/she is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him/her of services by a local authority;
• His/her health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision for him/her of such services; or
• He/she is disabled.

The critical factors to be taken into account when determining whether a child is in need are what will happen to the child's health and development if services are not provided, and the likely effect of the services on the child's standard of health and development. Local authorities have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need within their area.

(Definition provided by tri.x)