Solution focussed approaches

Getting it right for every child & young person in Highland: interagency practice model & child protection procedures 2024

Solution focused approaches can be very effective in bringing about change in complex situations. Even a short conversation can have solution focused elements to build collaboration and break the cycle that maintains problems.  Practitioners have used this way of working to engage effectively with other professionals, families and with children and young people.  This approach can also be helpful in preventive work at the systemic level in for example, helping staff groups and teams find effective ways of working or resolving barriers.

Training and facilitation in all these approaches can be accessed from the Highland Council Psychological Service: (HighlandCouncilPsychologicalService@highland.gov.uk).

This approach follows a carefully designed solution focused process involving young people, families and practitioners and is proven to bring about change in situations. Within the Practice model, Solution Focused Meetings can be used as efficient ways to review and deepen Child Plans. It is good practice for ASGs to have regular timetabled Solution Focused Meetings, involving a regular group of professionals so that a positive cycle of assessment, intervention and review can be embedded.

Where outcomes in the Child’s Plan have been achieved

When it has been agreed that the outcomes of a multi-agency plan have been achieved and that a child no longer needs that level of intervention, it is important that this decision is made with the agreement and knowledge of everyone involved, including the child and family.

For some children who have had a plan with a Lead Professional from a targeted service, a Child’s Plan meeting may conclude that Lead Professional responsibilities should change to a practitioner from Universal Services. In such circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Lead Professional who is handing over responsibility to ensure that all parties involved are informed and prepared for the changes.

The conclusion should be recorded in the Chronology and the time of changeover or ending of the Plan carefully chosen in the interests of the child and family. In this situation it is once again the Named Person who is the contact point for issues about the child, and to whom new concerns should be reported, (unless that concern is about a child who may be at risk of significant harm, in which case Child Protection Procedures will apply).