Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
Why Getting it Right For Every Child in Lanarkshire Matters
About GIRFEC
​Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), is a National and Local approach aimed at providing the best possible start for every child by offering the right help at the right time from the right people.
Sometimes, you or your parent/carer might need a bit of extra support, and GIRFEC is there to provide that.
GIRFEC simplifies how to reach professionals who can assist with yours or your child’s health and wellbeing.
Understanding ‘Wellbeing’
GIRFEC encourages partnership between children, young people, parents/carers and professionals.
You know what you need and by working together, we can make sure that your ‘wellbeing needs’ are met.
Every child and young person has a Named Person, usually a health visitor or teacher, who can help you if you have any worries about yours or your child’s wellbeing and coordinate support when needed.
Child’s Plan and Information Sharing
If more significant or complex needs are identified, a single planning approach will be used to address development concerns.
The ‘child’s plan’ brings together various professionals to work towards positive outcomes.
We respect yours or your child’s privacy. Information will only be shared to ensure safety, and to support you or your child.
Remember, GIRFEC is about making it easier for you or your child to receive the right help at the right time. Let’s work together to give you or your child the best start in life.
Supports and Resources
As part of Getting it Right for Every Child NHS Lanarkshire also advocates for children’s rights! We believe that every child deserves to be treated with respect, have access to healthcare, education, and live in a safe and supported environment.
Explore the website below links from national and partner sources to learn more about GIRFEC and Children’s Rights and how you can get involved in advocating for children’s rights
United Nations Convention the Rights of the Child
At the heart of our mission is The United Nations Convention the Rights of the Child, or UNCRC, which outlines fifty-four interlinked articles around the fundamental rights of every child and the role of our organisation and families. Regardless of age, you have the right to:
- Be given proper care by people who look after you
- Play and enjoy leisure and cultural activities
- Have access to health care (GP and health professionals)
- Be protected from harm
- Be treated with respect & kept safe in a comfortable home
- Have your feelings & opinions heard and feel listened to
- Receive help to make a complaint if you have one
- Attend school and enjoy leisure activities
- Participate in decision-making processes that may be relevant in your life and express your views about them
(Legislation has been introduced to incorporate the UNCRC into scots law within the powers of Scottish parliament. The new duties under The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 came into force in July 2024.)
To support children to understand their rights, this short animation is a helpful introduction to UNCRC and shows the types of interactions young people might have with public authorities about their rights.
Babies and young children have a right to meaningful participation. The voice of the infant best practice guidelines have been developed to support practitioners to notice, facilitate and share infant’s feelings and preferences.
For more information visit our United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) page.
