The methodological and empirical literature on measuring the need of child populations is sparse. What does exist is more orientated towards children in receipt of non-universal or specialist services, overlooking those children with similar needs who are not in contact with such services. Further, there is a tendency often for need analyses not to lead to the development of needs-led services. This article draws on a household survey of parents to provide a representative picture of the needs and service-use of children and families living on a housing estate in Dublin, Ireland. It describes the situation of the children and their families quantitatively in terms of their living situation, family and social relationships, social and anti-social behaviour, physical and psychological health, and education and employment. It then describes a qualitative analysis of the children's needs and reports the use of a structured method to outline how existing services seek to meet those needs and what new services are required. Overarching messages from the research concerning integrated planning, engaging service users and service evaluation are summarised, and the strengths and weaknesses of this approach to need analysis and developing needs-led services are discussed. (Contains 8 tables and 9 notes.)