This set of procedures and guidance are for all practitioners who support children and families whether they work in statutory, third sector or private organisations. The approaches set out depend on a culture and ethos which recognises that whilst there are specific responsibilities associated with certain professional roles, everyone has a job in making sure children ‘are alright’. The Guidance also underlines the responsibilities of adult services to consider the needs of children and their parents where vulnerability and protection needs are identified.

The integration of child protection within the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) continuum and framing responses to child protection concerns within the national practice model is a critical feature of the revised Procedures. There is a clear articulation of the importance of GIRFEC to protecting children, particularly in recognising that all children must receive the right help at the right time.

These procedures have been adapted from the National Guidance for Child Protection (2021) – updated 2023, and National GIRFEC Guidance (2022) and should form the basis of all practice for ensuring the care and protection of children in Highland. Where these procedures cannot be used, there should be a discussion with relevant manager(s) and clear recording of reasons for alternative practice. Additional information and support is also available within the national guidance documents.

Services have a responsibility to ensure that all staff and volunteers understand these procedures and their own roles and responsibilities in relation to Getting It Right for Every Child and Child Protection.  These responsibilities are set within the context of The Promise, United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and keeping children, young people and families at the heart of our approaches.

Introduction, background and context

Keeping children and young people at the centre

Information sharing

Getting it Right for Every Child: assessment, analysis and planning - understanding the practice model

Child protection procedures - effective assessment and planning

Roles and responsibilities

About this toolkit