Child in need plan
A multi-agency plan under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, providing services to a child whose health or development would suffer without support.
In plain English
A multi-agency plan under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989, providing services to a child whose health or development would suffer without support.
Why it matters
Section 17 work is voluntary and family-centred, with social-care help, parenting support, or therapy. It sits below child-protection thresholds but above universal services. Many families benefit from a child-in-need plan without ever moving to child protection.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17