Children in Need: Definition, Identification and Support

This paper examines the way in which local authorities operationalize the concept of need contained in Part III of the Children Act 1989. Findings from an empirical study conducted by the authors suggest that difficulties are being encountered in operationalizing need, and that these difficulties stem from an inherent contradiction between the all-embracing spirit of the Act and current political and social realities. The paper identifies key dilemmas in the implementation of Part III of the Children Act and highlights conflicts facing social services departments.