What is it?
Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) is the national policy framework aimed at supporting the wellbeing of children and young people. The framework embeds the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into practice and promotes a rights-based approach.
GIRFEC promotes positive outcomes for children and young people and builds on the delivery of universal services. The National Practice Model is a common framework for all professionals, this helps when assessing and responding to the needs of children and young people, ensuring all families receive the right help at the right time.
How do we do it?
GIRFEC is designed around four key principles:
♦ A child-focused approach: We’ll put the young person and their family at the centre of all decision-making.
♦ Understanding wellbeing: We’ll look at the child’s wellbeing as a whole to provide appropriate, effective support at the right time.
♦ A preventative approach: We’ll identify needs early so they don’t grow into problems.
♦ A joined-up approach: We’ll work together to consider what help a child requires. We’ll involve only the services needed to minimise unnecessary interruption in family life.
GIRFEC and Child Protection
GIRFEC is there to support the overall wellbeing of children & young people. It does not replace our existing Child Protection systems and processes. If you suspect a child or young person has been harmed or is at risk of harm, refer to your service’s existing Child Protection processes. For more information about Child Protection visit the Fife Child Protection Committee website.
What is Child Protection?
All children and young people have the right to be cared for and protected from harm and to grow up in a safe environment where their rights and needs are respected.
Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states:
‘Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and emotional measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.’
In Fife, we support the ethos that “child protection is everyone’s job and everyone’s responsibility”.All professionals have a responsibility to respond appropriately and immediately if they believe a child is at risk from harm.
What should I do if I have a concern?
If you consider a child(ren) or young person to be in IMMEDIATE danger, DO NOT wait, call Police Scotland on 999. If you have a concern and the child is not in immediate danger you should contact the Social Work Contact Centre on 03451 551503 then press the star key on your phone or contact Police Scotland on 101. Using the star key will automatically fast track your call so it is dealt with as a priority by Customer Service Advisors or for Emergency Out of Hours call 03451 550099.
More information can be found at Fife’s dedicated GIRFEC site by clicking the image below.
