ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the central social policy and social work theme of need. Need has, traditionally, been at the heart of social work and social policy. Social workers often say that their goal is to meet the needs of their service users, and the goals of social policies are often stated as being to ensure that people's needs are met. Comparative and normative need do not require the person or people in need themselves to feel or express their need. The Care Act 2014 introduced new requirements for assessing the needs and eligibility of adults for social care services provided. The chapter examines the way that the UK health sector uses the terms primary care' and secondary care'. The legal framework for social care for adults in England was transformed by the Care Act 2014, although the principles and practices it builds on are well-known and have been important themes in social work with adults.
