Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) Practice Guidance 1 - Using the National Practice Model

5. Using the National Practice Model

It is important to note that there will be occasions when, through the professional judgement of practitioners, emergency procedures must be instigated to address an immediate need for the child or young person to be ‘safe’.

The wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) can be used to structure the recording of routine information about a child or young person. This will allow proportionate and relevant information to be shared lawfully (Practice Guidance 4: Information sharing).

The National Practice Model has four steps outlined below. The voice of the child or young person should be evident at all stages; their opinions and perspectives need to be taken into account in accordance with age (see glossary) and maturity of the child (UNCRC, Article 12) in a developmentally appropriate way:

• The Wellbeing Indicators: Using the wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) in the ‘Wellbeing Wheel’ to observe, discuss and record information which may indicate the scaffolding of support needed for a child or young person.
• The ‘My World’ Triangle: Helps to understand a child or young person’s whole world. It can be used to explore their experience at every stage, recognising there are connections between the different parts of their world. In the assessment process, it can be used to explore strengths, needs and risks.
• The Resilience Matrix: Used in more complex situations, the Resilience Matrix helps organise and analyse information when there is a perceived risk to a child or young person.
• Planning, action and review using the ‘Wellbeing Wheel’: When the child or young person’s needs are clear, they can be summarised using the Wellbeing Wheel to develop an individual plan to provide support.