Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC): child's plan - practice statement - easy read

What is a child’s plan?

Children, young people, and families sometimes need support. This might mean making a child’s plan for the child or young person so that everyone helping them knows what needs to happen.

Children, young people, and families can say they do not want a child’s plan. But they must accept support if a Children’s Panel or Sheriff says it is compulsory to keep them safe from harm or harmful behaviours.

The National Practice Model is a way for workers to find out if a child or young person needs support for their wellbeing. Information will be gathered from different professionals, and the child or young person and their family.

This information will be used to make a plan to support the child or young person. This plan will include what their family, community and services can offer.

The Child’s Plan will include what actions need to happen and who will do what.

The plan could be made by a single organisation or different organisations working together. Everyone involved should use all their skills and experience to meet the child or young person’s needs.

If children, young people, and families need support from different organisations, this means making a multi-agency child’s plan. This is where a lead professional is needed.

All decisions made about a child’s plan should be based on the views of the child, young person, and their family. The plan should be in their best interests and respect their rights.