Extending the Cost Calculator for all children in need : mapping services for children in need and identifying child level data for those services

Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide services to all children in need living in their area. Work is currently being undertaken to extend the Cost Calculator methodology to include all children in need, making it possible for local authorities to cost a fuller range of services and to cost family support interventions provided under section 17 arrangements. This paper details the findings of two complementary studies forming the basis of the extended Cost Calculator methodology: The Mapping of Children in Need Services; and Guidance for the New Children in Need Census.