This article considers Section 17 ‘child in need’ provision under the Children Act 1989, the main legislation governing Children's Services in England. Arguably, Section 17 has never been given the same priority as other statutory requirements under the Act. The intention was to create a broad umbrella provision for children living with their families, but children assessed as ‘in need’ are not entitled to receive such services unless they are disabled. This exploration is timely given the current Independent Review of Children's Social Care in England, ongoing austerity measures, high rates of child poverty and COVID-19. Consideration is given to the development of Section 17 and what the future may hold.