Contesting the contradictions: Needs, resources and community care decisions

Abstract

This article reviews the interrelationship between resources and needs in community care guidance and practice. It re-examines judicial review decisions which have considered the extent to which resources may influence the planning and practice decisions made by local authorities. It questions whether service users might find a more effective challenge to community care decisions through scrutinizing how their needs have been defined. It evaluates the different routes through which users may contest community care decisions. Finally, the article considers the implications of this analysis for those involved in making or challenging community care decisions.

Key Words:

• community care
• needs
• resources
• judicial review
• social work practice