Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) - Statutory Guidance - Assessment of Wellbeing 2022 – Part 18 (section 96) of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

4. Purpose of Part 18 (section 96) of the 2014 Act: Assessment of Wellbeing

Part 18 of the Act covers general provisions, including section 96, which sets out the required approach to assess a child’s wellbeing.

a. Section 96(1) specifies that section 96 applies when making an assessment under the Act relating to the wellbeing of a child (specifically, when assessing whether wellbeing is being or would be promoted, safeguarded, supported, affected or subject to an effect);

b. Section 96(2) lists the eight indicators of wellbeing (SHANARRI); Safe, Healthy , Achieving, Nurtured, Active, Respected, Responsible and Included that should be considered when assessing wellbeing in the context of the Act;

c. Section 96(3) requires the Scottish Ministers to issue guidance on how the indicators in section 96(2) are to be used to assess wellbeing;

d. Section 96(4) stipulates that the Scottish Ministers must consult with specified stakeholders, and such persons as the Ministers consider appropriate, before issuing or revising guidance;

e. Section 96(5) requires a person measuring the wellbeing of a child or young person as mentioned in section 96(2) to have regard to guidance issued under section 96(3);

f. Section 96(6) gives the Scottish Ministers order-making power to modify the list of wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) in section 96(2); and

g. Section 96(7) requires the Scottish Ministers to consult with specified stakeholders, and such persons as the Ministers consider appropriate, before making an order under section 96(6).