The Scottish Government states*:
It’s a consistent way for people to work with all children and young people. It’s the bedrock for all children’s services and can also be used by practitioners in adult services who work with parents or carers.
The approach helps practitioners focus on what makes a positive difference for children and young people – and how they can act to deliver these improvements. Getting it right for every child is being threaded through all existing policy, practice, strategy and legislation affecting children, young people and their families.
As children and young people progress on their journey through life, some may have temporary difficulties, some may live with challenges and some may experience more complex issues.
Sometimes they – and their families – are going to need help and support.
No matter where they live or whatever their needs, children, young people and their families should always know where they can find help, what support might be available and whether that help is right for them.
The Getting it right for every child approach ensures that anyone providing that support puts the child or young person – and their family – at the centre.
Getting it right for every child is important for everyone who works with children and young people – as well as many people who work with adults who look after children. Practitioners need to work together to support families, and where appropriate, take early action at the first signs of any difficulty – rather than only getting involved when a situation has already reached crisis point.
This means working across organisational boundaries and putting children and their families at the heart of decision making – and giving all our children and young people the best possible start in life.
What is Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)?
It’s a consistent way for people to work with all children and young people. It’s the bedrock for all children’s services and can also be used by practitioners in adult services who work with parents or carers.
The approach helps practitioners focus on what makes a positive difference for children and young people – and how they can act to deliver these improvements. Getting it right for every child is being threaded through all existing policy, practice, strategy and legislation affecting children, young people and their families.
*http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/Young-People/gettingitright