Request a social-care assessment (s.17 Children Act 1989)

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{director_name}
{la_address}

{date}

Dear {director_name},

Re: {child_name} — Request for a Children Act 1989 s.17 assessment

I am writing to request a Children Act 1989 s.17 assessment of my
child, {child_name}, as a child in need.

{child_name} has been identified as having special educational needs
and disabilities. Under s.17(10) of the Children Act 1989 a child is
"in need" if they are unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable
standard of health or development without provision of services by
the Local Authority, or if they are disabled. I believe {child_name}
meets this definition for the following reasons:

{social_care_concerns}

I am asking {la_name} to assess:

1. {child_name}'s social-care needs — which would inform Section D of
   any EHC plan.
2. The provision the Local Authority should make to meet those needs
   under s.17 of the Children Act 1989 (which would inform Section H2)
   and, where relevant, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
   (Section 2) — for example practical assistance in the home, recreation,
   holidays and transport — which would inform Section H1.
3. The impact on the wider family, including any caring
   responsibilities, and what short-break or respite provision may be
   appropriate.

Where {child_name} already has, or is being assessed for, an EHC
plan, please share the outcome of this assessment with the EHC
co-ordinator so that Sections D and H1/H2 of the plan are completed
properly.

Please confirm receipt and let me know:
  - the name of the social worker who will lead the assessment;
  - the expected timescale (Working Together to Safeguard Children
    2018 expects an initial response within 1 working day and a
    completed single assessment within 45 working days);
  - what information you need from me to proceed.

Yours faithfully,

{parent_name}
{address}