Getting to Know GIRFEC

Introduction

• Purpose: Increase awareness of GIRFEC, a Scottish national policy.
• Aim: Enable parents/carers to effectively collaborate with agencies supporting their children.
• Support: Supported by the Scottish Government; content responsibility is with the ALLIANCE.

Contents Overview

• Ice Breaker Quiz
• GIRFEC Overview, Principles, and Core Components
• Named Person, National Practice Model, and Lead Professional
• Wellbeing Wheel and Wellbeing Indicators
• Joined-up Planning
• Children's Rights and Policies
• GIRFEC Glossary

Section 1: GIRFEC Overview

What is GIRFEC?

• National approach to improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• Promotes early intervention to tackle needs and prevent bigger problems.
• Origin: Introduced by the Scottish Government in 2006 to improve service coordination.

Key Principles

• Child-focused: Involves children and families in decision-making.
• Wellbeing Understanding: Based on 8 Wellbeing Indicators (Safe, Healthy, Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible, Included).
• Named Person: Provides a clear point of contact.
• Joined-up Working: Collaborative approach among services.
• Information Sharing: Informed, proportionate sharing of information.

Section 2: Named Person, National Practice Model, and Lead Professional

Named Person Service

• Role: Provides information, advice, or additional support access.
• Responsibilities: Often a health visitor or senior teacher.

National Practice Model

• Purpose: Helps practitioners understand the child’s needs and coordinate their support.
• Lead Professional: Coordinates integrated support plans for complex needs.

Case Study: Charlie

• Description: Charlie, a child with complex needs, supported through a coordinated plan.
• Role of Lead Professional: Ensures all services work together efficiently.

Section 3: Wellbeing Indicators and Wheel

Wellbeing Indicators

• Basis for conversations about children's wellbeing.
• Indicators: Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible, Included (SHANARRI).

Key Messages

• Wellbeing is individual and influenced by various factors.
• No set level of wellbeing; aims to help reach individual potential.

Section 4: Joined-up Planning

Planning Framework

• Purpose: Provides consistent planning approach for children requiring coordinated support.
• Joined-up Plans: Developed with child and family involvement.

My World Triangle and Resilience Matrix

• My World Triangle: Consideration of the whole person and their circumstances.
• Resilience Matrix: Used for complex needs analysis.

Section 5: Children's Rights and Policies

UNCRC and GIRFEC

• GIRFEC aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Rights Integration: Ensures children's rights are central in decision making.

Glossary

• Joined-up Planning Framework: Consistent approach for coordinated support.
• Lead Professional: Coordinates complex support plans.
• Named Person: Clear contact for support.
• Wellbeing Indicators: Define national outcomes for children's development.

Additional Information

• Project Aim: Empower children with disabilities or long-term conditions through awareness.
• Feedback and Contact: Encourages feedback for improving GIRFEC implementation.

Useful Contacts

• Lists various organizations for support and information.

Resources

• Links to further resources and training opportunities.

Note: This guide is not a definitive legal or policy document but aims to inform and empower families.