What is a Named Person?
Most children and young people get all the help and support they need from their parent(s), wider family and community, but sometimes they may need a bit of extra support.
Children and young people from birth to 18, or beyond if still in school, have access to a Named Person to help support their wellbeing as part of the Getting it right for every child(GIRFEC) approach.
A Named Person is a central point of contact if a child, young person or their parent(s) want information or advice, or if they want to talk about any worries and seek support. They can also, when appropriate, reach out to different services who can help.
Public services in many areas of Scotland already offer this service, which is planned to be available nationally from 31 August 2016.
Who will be a Named Person?
A Named Person will normally be the health visitor for a pre-school child and a promoted teacher – such as a headteacher, or guidance teacher or other promoted member of staff – for a school age child.
The Named Person duties are integrated into their current role and strengthen the support they currently provide, formalising their role as a central contact for children, parents and other people working with them.
What will a Named Person do?
A Named Person will be available to listen, advise and help a child or young person and their parent(s), provide direct support or help them access other services. For example, a health visitor might ask for help from a speech and language therapist, or a guidance teacher may put parents in touch with a local bereavement counselling service.
They will also be a point of contact for other services if they have any concerns about a child’s wellbeing.
More Information can be found here.
