The "Continuum of Need" is, basically, a chart which sets out a few categories.
Manchester Children's Services uses it to distinguish four basic levels of need which can be found when working with children, young people and families. It's a "continuum" because it's recognised that every situation will be different and will not fall neatly into one category or another. However, some kind of broad framework is obviously very helpful in planning services.
Below are the two main documents which describe the Manchester Continuum of Need:
• 2008 Continuum of Need/Framework of Response
This is a fairly detailed description of the kinds of needs you would expect to see in each category.
• 2008 Continuum of Needs and Responses
This is a much simpler version set out in the shape of a car windscreen - with the idea that you would be able to place anyone using services somewhere along the chart and see which broad category the need falls into. Another version available - Continuum of Need, looks slightly different but it's just a different colour scheme!
The Continuum of Need is also related to the Common Assessment Framework and Safeguarding practice. It sets a common language by agreeing some standard definitions of types of need.