Children Act 1989, Schedule 2, paragraph 1

Identification of children in need and provision of information

SCHEDULE 2 SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PROVIDED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND

1 (1) Every local authority shall take reasonable steps to identify the extent to which there are children in need within their area.

(2) Every local authority shall—

(a) publish information—

(i) about services provided by them under sections 17, 18, [F118320 [F1184 and 23DF1184,F1183]] ; and

(ii) where they consider it appropriate, about the provision by others (including, in particular, voluntary organisations) of services which the authority have power to provide under those sections; and

(b) take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that those who might benefit from the services receive the information relevant to them.

Definitions used in Schedule 2, paragraph 1 4

local authority

“local authority” means, in relation to England ..., the council of a county, a metropolitan district, a London Borough or the Common Council of the City of London in relation to Wales, the council of a county or a county borough and, in relation to Scotland, a local authority within the meaning of section 1(2) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 ;

Defined in s.105(1) · see it in the full Act
child

16 (1) In this Schedule “child” includes, in any case where an application is made under paragraph 2 or 6 in relation to a person who has reached the age of eighteen, that person.

Defined in Sch.1 para.16(1) · see it in the full Act

“child” means, subject to paragraph 16 of Schedule 1, a person under the age of eighteen;

Defined in s.105(1) · see it in the full Act
service

“service”, in relation to any provision made under Part III, includes any facility;

Defined in s.105(1) · see it in the full Act
voluntary organisation

“voluntary organisation” means a body (other than a public or local authority) whose activities are not carried on for profit;

Defined in s.105(1) · see it in the full Act

Cases considering Schedule 2, paragraph 1 23

Regina v. London Borough of Barnet (Respondents) ex parte G (FC) (Appellant) Regina v. London Borough of Lambeth (Respondents) ex parte W (FC) (Appellant) Regina v. London Borough of Lambeth (Respondents) ex parte A (FC) (Appellant)

[2003] UKHL 57 · 23 October 2003Interprets

The paragraph requires reasonable steps to identify the extent of children in need within the authority’s area. It supplies the express foundation for identification and assessment obligations. (see paras [72]; [113]-[116]) The duty is discharged by taking reasonable steps, rather than by guaranteeing that every child and every need will be identified. (see paras [113]-[114])

GW, R (on the application of) v Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

[2025] EWHC 2140 (Admin) · 14 August 2025

Applies the duty to take reasonable steps to identify children in need. The adequacy of the authority’s inquiries is reviewable by the court. (see paras [32], [45], [54])

OA & Ors, R (On the Application Of) v London Borough of Bexley

[2020] EWHC 1107 (Admin) · 7 May 2020

The court treated the duty to take reasonable steps to identify whether a child is in need as informing the standard for reviewing the authority’s inquiries. (see paras [45]; [74]-[79])

3 more judgments, and what each says about Schedule 2, paragraph 1, are in the case-law panel in the full Act.

Amendments and notes

3 notes from legislation.gov.uk

Amendments

  1. F1183Words in Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1(2)(a)(i) substituted (1.10.2001) by 2000 c. 35, s. 7(4); S.I. 2001/2191, art. 2; S.I. 2001/2878, art. 2
  2. F1184Words in Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(i) substituted (1.4.2018) by Children and Social Work Act 2017 (c. 16), s. 70(2), Sch. 2 para. 2; S.I. 2018/346, reg. 4(aa)

Commencement

  1. I108Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 1 wholly in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)