Understanding Unmet Social Care Needs Under the Care Act 2014

 

Unmet needs under the Care Act 2014—whether eligible or not—can affect any part of a person’s wellbeing. For autistic, neurodivergent, and mentally distressed individuals, these needs are often overlooked. Recognising them clearly and without bias is essential to providing timely, appropriate, person‑centred support.

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Local authorities have a legal duty to promote a person’s wellbeing whenever they carry out any care and support function. This is often referred to as the wellbeing principle because it places the person’s overall wellbeing at the centre of all decisions, actions, and assessments.

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Wellbeing is a broad, holistic concept. Under the Care Act, it includes (but is not limited to):

• Personal dignity and respectful treatment

• Physical and mental health, and emotional wellbeing

• Protection from abuse and neglect

• Control over day‑to‑day life, including how care is provided

• Participation in work, education, training, or recreation

• Social and economic wellbeing

• Domestic, family, and personal relationships

• Suitable living accommodation

• Contribution to society

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These areas reflect the full spectrum of what matters in a person’s life. There is no hierarchy within the wellbeing domains, and each aspect must be considered with equal importance when understanding a person’s needs and circumstances.

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Understanding wellbeing and identifying unmet social care needs is essential not only for adults with care and support needs, but also for carers, and—crucially—for children and young people who are eligible for a transition assessment as part of Preparing for Adulthood (PfA).

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This includes children and young people with SEND, young carers, and Looked After Children, whose needs may be complex, evolving, or easily overlooked. A clear understanding of wellbeing as wll impact of unmet needs ensures that support is proactive, strengths‑based, and responsive to the barriers these young people face as they move towards adulthood.

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Unmet social care needs (eligible and/or non-eligible) - Examples of Impact Across Wellbeing Domains.

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Impact of unmet needs can include the risk or deterioration of physical and mental health, a decline in emotional well-being, gaps in support or missed chances for intervention, and an increased risk of hospital admission.

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• Personal Dignity - Feeling disrespected or dismissed due to communication differences or lack of understanding

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• Physical & Mental Health - Increased anxiety, depression, or physical health deterioration due to lack of support

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• Protection from Abuse - Greater vulnerability to exploitation or harm, especially in unsupported environments

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• Control Over Life - Impulsivity, loss of autonomy, rigid routines imposed, or decisions made without consent or capacity.  ​

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• Participation in Activities - Isolation, lack of purpose, or missed opportunities for growth and inclusion

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• Social & Economic Wellbeing - Financial hardship, social exclusion, or inability to access benefits or services

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• Relationships - Breakdown of family or personal relationships due to stress or lack of support

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• Living Accommodation - Unsafe, unsuitable, or unstable housing that worsens mental health or sensory needs, unsuitable setting without sensory adaptations, leading to distress and withdrawal.

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• Contribution to Society - Talents and strengths go unrecognised, leading to low self-esteem and disengagement​​​​​​

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Unmet Needs in Childhood and Adolescence: Why Early Support Matters
 

When children and young people with SEND do not receive the support they need, the impact is rarely short‑term. Unmet needs accumulate over time, shaping long‑term wellbeing, development, independence, and future care requirements. For many families, this begins early—through delayed assessments, inconsistent provision, or systems that expect children to “cope” rather than understand their neurodevelopmental profile.

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A key safeguard designed to prevent this escalation is the Preparation for Adulthood (PfA) process. For all children and young people with SEND, PfA planning must begin from Year 9 (age 13/14). When this process is missing or poorly implemented, young people face increased risks: declining mental and physical health, emotional distress, missed opportunities for early intervention, and a higher likelihood of hospital admission. They may also struggle to access or stay engaged in education, employment, or training, and face barriers to developing independent living skills.

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Recent national data reflects these realities. The number of young people receiving health‑related benefits has risen sharply in the last five years, often linked to mental health difficulties or neurodevelopmental conditions. At the same time, almost one million young people are NEET, with many reporting that long‑term illness, disability, or mental health needs prevent them from taking part. These patterns highlight a system that is reactive rather than preventative—leaving young people without the right support at the right time.

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The effects of unmet needs extend beyond the young person. Families and carers often carry the emotional, practical, and financial burden. Research from the National Education Union [SEND in crisis | National Education Union] and the Department for Education Beyond the classroom: the experiences of children with SEND who are not in school - GOV.UK] shows that parents of children with SEND frequently experience:

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High levels of stress and anxiety: as parents fight to secure appropriate support and navigate complex systems. and advocating for basic support of children and young people with SEND.

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Reduced employment opportunities: Many parents must reduce or leave their jobs due to the lack of support from schools and local authorities, which can affect their financial stability. 

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Strained family relationships: as ongoing stress affects emotional wellbeing and family dynamics.

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Economic consequences: both for individual households and for wider society, as parents are pushed out of the workforce.

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At KindMindsWithKM, we recognise that these challenges are not inevitable—they are the result of unmet needs, missed opportunities, and systems that do not yet fully understand neurodivergence or trauma‑informed practice. Early, consistent, and strengths‑based support can change a young person’s trajectory. It can protect wellbeing, reduce long‑term care needs, and empower families to thrive rather than struggle.

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Our work is grounded in this belief: when needs are recognised early and responded to with compassion, expertise, and respect for neurodiversity, children and young people can flourish. Families feel supported, not isolated. And the pathway into adulthood becomes one of possibility, not crisis.

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Please visit the separate page, "Unmet SEND Needs," or click below to learn more about identifying and addressing these needs.

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