Axford, N. (2008) ‘Meeting needs or protecting rights: which way for children’s services?’, International Journal of Child & Family Welfare 11, 48-63. 
 
Abstract
The concepts of need and rights are used regularly as organising principles for thinking about children’s services in the UK. There is a lack of clarity, however, about how they are related and the implications of this for provision for vulnerable children. This paper sets out conceptual and empirical definitions of need and rights, focusing on what each one adds to the understanding of child development. Next, it reports on findings from the application of definitions to data on 234 children selected to be representative of those resident on an inner-London housing estate. The prevalence of and relationship between children in need and children with violated rights are set out. The final section explores the implications of the research for policy and practice, focusing in particular on how the concepts of need and rights can be applied to improve children’s well-being. The conclusions have implications for social policy in other areas.