Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC)

Please Note: The implementation of the Named Person service has been delayed. We will advise of any updates on progress once known.

In West Lothian, we want all services for children and adults to meet the needs of children and young people, working together where necessary to ensure they reach their full potential.

It promotes a shared approach and accountability that:

• builds solutions with and around children, young people and their families
• enables children and young people to get the help they need when they need it
• involves working better together to improve life chances for children, young people and families

There are five key national priorities in the GIRFEC approach:

• there will be a named person available for every child from birth until their 18th birthday (or beyond if they are still in school)
• there will be a lead professional for those children who require targeted support from more than one agency
• every child who requires additional help will have a plan to address their needs and improve their wellbeing
• practitioners will use the National Practice Model to support early intervention and early identification of concerns
• partnerships will take an appropriate, proportionate and timely approach to managing all concerns and risks, this includes children who are assessed as having additional needs or are in need of protection