Kinship care - Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 - part 13: updated guidance 2024

Appendix F: Using the GIRFEC National Practice Model

A local authority must assess whether a child is at risk of becoming looked after to determine for whom they must provide kinship care assistance and the duties of local authorities to make arrangements to ensure that kinship care assistance is made available for persons residing in their area who are entitled to it.

A Lead Professional role is most likely to be undertaken by a child and family social worker in a local authority when there is a risk a child may become looked after.

It is proposed that this assessment should be framed using the Getting it Right for Every Child National Practice Model. The National Practice Model brings together the My World Triangle, Resilience Matrix, eight wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) and the four contexts for learning within Curriculum for Excellence, to support overall assessment.

Practitioners and organisations should consider each of the eight wellbeing indicators (SHANARRI) in collaboration, with children, young people and their family.

Safe: feeling safe, cared for and listened to when growing up. Protected from abuse, neglect or harm.

Healthy: having the best physical and mental health possible. Access to good healthcare. Support to make healthy and safe choices.

Achieving: supported and guided in learning skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Nurtured: growing, developing and being cared for in a place that feels safe. Getting the kindness and compassion needed to be healthy and positive.

Active: having opportunities to take part in activities such as play, recreation and sport. This helps healthy growth and development at home, in school and in the community.

Respected: having a voice and being involved in decision that affect them.

Responsible – having opportunities and the chance to take active roles at home, in school and in the community. Having advice and support if needed.

Included – having help to overcome inequalities. Be accepted as part of their family, school and community.