Adult social care is undergoing a period of 'radical reform', shaped by concern over changing demographics (the 'ageing population'), diminishing resources, increasing demands for independence and a focus on individual and community responsibility. Within this context, access to local authority social care funding and support is limited to those who, after assessment, are deemed to have 'eligible needs' . This research examines social care assessment for older people and family carers, utilising an ethic of care perspective to challenge the contemporary policy focus on ' independence' and 'individual or community responsibility'. Through original, qualitative interviews with older people, family carers, charity workers, care providers and those working for the local authority, this research investigates how assessment is conducted and experienced in two local authorities, updating and increasing understanding of assessment practice. By utilising an ethic of care perspective, the research highlights that the views of older people, family carers and social workers on 'the person', the role of the state and the purpose and conduct of assessment call into question many of the assumptions which underlie current and future adult social care policy and legislation. The research focuses on how ethic of care perspectives challenge the current assessment process but also highlights where Tronto's (1993) elements of care are already present in assessment practice. It argues that changes in line with an ethic of care, building on the elements in practice, would improve the experiences of those going through the process as well as those who conduct assessments. This analysis emphasises areas which are missing from the wider debate on adult social care, highlighting the value of an ethic of care as an evaluative framework but also, as an ethic of care perspective reflects the views of those involved in the system, as a foundation for a future assessment process.