Child in Need Plan 

What is a Child in Need (CiN) Plan?  

Sometimes families need extra support to help their child stay healthy, safe, and able to enjoy everyday life. When a social work assessment shows that extra help is needed, a Child in Need (CiN) plan can be put in place.  

This is a written plan that sets out the support your child and family will receive. It comes from Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, which says that local councils must make sure children in need get the help they require to grow and develop well.  

Who can have a Child in Need plan?  

A child may have a CiN plan if they:  

• need extra support to reach or maintain a good level of health or development  

• have a disability or Special Educational Needs (SEN)  

• are unlikely to achieve a reasonable standard of health or development without extra help  

What does the plan include?  

Every plan is tailored to the child and family, but it usually covers:  

• your child’s needs and strengths  

• what support will be provided, by whom, and for how long  

• goals and outcomes everyone is working towards  

• the roles of parents/carers, professionals, and the child (if old enough)  

CiN plans for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)  

For children with SEN or disabilities, a CiN plan often focuses on:  

• accessing the right specialist health, therapy, or social care services  

• arranging short breaks or respite care for the child and family  

• providing equipment or home adaptations to support daily life  

• making sure education, health, and care services work together  

• supporting parents and siblings to manage the extra demands of caring for a child with additional needs  

The plan aims to help families feel more supported, reduce stress, and make sure children with SEN are able to thrive at home and in school.  

How does it work?  

• A CiN plan is developed after a social work assessment.  

• It is shared and agreed with you, your child (where appropriate), and the professionals involved.  

• Progress is checked at regular Child in Need meetings (often every 12 weeks), where the plan can be updated if needed.  

How do parents and carers get referred?  

• A referral can be made by a professional who knows your family, such as a teacher, GP, health visitor, or Early Help worker.  

• Parents and carers can also make a self-referral if they feel their child may need extra support.  

• All new referrals go through the council’s Children’s Help and Advice Team (CHAT), who decide whether a social care assessment is needed.  

Phone: 01432 260800  

Email: cypduty@herefordshire.gov.uk