Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) Practice Guidance 3 – The role of the lead professional

8. The lead professional and putting together the child’s plan

The lead professional should have a pivotal role in coordinating and collating the information that informs the child’s plan, working alongside the child, young person and their family. This information should be gathered from the child, young person and their family and provided by the other agencies involved with the child or young person, in accordance with the requirements set out in the information sharing guidance (please see Practice Guidance 4). Information can also be drawn from any other plans a child or young person may already have in place, provided it is lawful and proportionate to do so.

Using the National Practice Model (please see Practice Guidance 1), the lead professional should coordinate the wellbeing assessment required, including information from any specialist assessments, make sense of that information and lead on constructing the child’s plan. All agencies involved have a joint accountability to ensure the plan is progressed and reviewed to meet the needs of the child or young person and agreed outcomes.