Section 17
Also called Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. That is the name used in diagnostic manuals and on most official paperwork.
The part of the Children Act 1989 that says councils must support children in need. A social worker may name it as the legal basis for help your family is offered.
Applies in England and Wales
Section 17 places a general duty on every local council to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in need in its area, and to support families in bringing up their children by providing services that fit their needs. Disabled children count as children in need under the Act, which includes many neurodivergent Neurodivergent Neurodivergent means a brain that works in its own way, not the way most people expect. Autistic people, and people with ADHD or dyslexia, are all neurodivergent. Read the full definition of Neurodivergent children.
In practice, section 17 is the legal basis for family support: an assessment of your child's needs, help at home, and services such as short breaks Short breaks Short breaks give your disabled child time doing something they enjoy with another trusted person, and give the rest of the family a rest. You can ask your council what is on offer where you live. Read the full definition of Short breaks . Hearing it quoted does not mean your family is in trouble. It is the support side of children's services rather than the protection side.
Section 17 belongs to the law of England and Wales, but Welsh services now work under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, so Welsh parents will rarely hear the phrase.
Related words
Where this comes from
- Children Act 1989, section 17: Provision of services for children in need, their families and others , legislation.gov.uk. Checked 2026-08-14.
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