GIRFEC - Getting It Right For Every Child

WHAT IS GIRFEC? 

The Scottish Government’s ambition is to work in partnership with children, young people, families, organisations and communities to make Scotland the best place to grow up. Through Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), everyone in Scotland can work together to help children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected so that they realise their full potential. We want all children and young people to live in an equitable society which enables them to flourish, to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect, and to have their rights upheld at all times.  

GIRFEC is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This is a global agreement to protect children. Children and young people are citizens in their own right. Their human rights are set in all areas of life.  In line with The Promise, "Children, young people and their families will be listened to, respected, involved and heard in every decision that affects them."

The key principles of GIRFEC and what this looks like in Aberdeen City 

Placing the child, young person and family at the centre  

  • promoting choice, with full participation of children, young people and families in decision-making 

Working in partnership with families  

  • adopting an approach which is inclusive and respects the rights of all  

  • acknowledging and building on the strengths of children, young people and families 

Understanding wellbeing as being about all aspects of life  

  • taking into account the impact that family, community and society has on a child or young person's developmental and social experiences 

Valuing diversity and not tolerating discrimination 

  • acknowledging and celebrating differences 

  • ensuring access to support is available to all children, young people and families as required 

Tackling inequality 

  • ensuring support is offered fairly and equitably to meet individual needs 

Offering support earlier  

  • adopting a proactive and proportionate approach to improve outcomes for children, young people and families 

Services working in partnership both locally and nationally  

  • developing a culture of collaboration and co-operation between services, practitioners and families