The first SHANARRI wellbeing indicator, Safe, is at the core of the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework. Ensuring a child feels and is safe lays the foundation for every other aspect of their development.
What Does ‘Safe’ Mean in GIRFEC?
Being safe means that children and young people are protected from harm, neglect, abuse, or exploitation. It also means they feel secure in their environment, whether at home, school, or in the community. Safety is about both physical and emotional protection.
Why Safety Matters
When children feel safe, they are more likely to trust those around them and develop strong, positive relationships. Feeling secure allows them to focus on learning, exploring, and achieving their goals without fear.
Without safety, every other area of wellbeing—such as health, achievement, and inclusion—can be negatively impacted. That’s why GIRFEC prioritises early intervention to ensure risks to safety are identified and addressed as soon as possible.
How GIRFEC Supports Safety
- Collaboration: Professionals work together to identify risks and provide the necessary support.
- Prevention: GIRFEC encourages a proactive approach to safety, ensuring potential issues are tackled early.
- Listening to Children: GIRFEC ensures that children’s voices are heard, enabling them to express concerns and feel respected.
By focusing on safety, GIRFEC provides children with the secure foundation they need to thrive.
