The process whereby the care and support needs of an adult or support needs of a carer are identified alongside their impact on independence, daily functioning and quality of life so that appropriate care, health or other support can be planned. It aims to identify and explore the many aspects of a person’s needs and identify their desired outcomes. It should be strengths based, proportionate, self-contained and time-limited. Where support might be required from more than one agency, multi-agency assessments may be undertaken.