The introduction of The Promise has reinforced and expanded the principles of the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework. By integrating the findings of the Independent Care Review, The Promise strengthens GIRFEC’s ability to deliver real change for children and families.
What Does The Promise Add to GIRFEC?
- Focus on Love: The Promise places love at the centre of care, complementing GIRFEC’s emphasis on nurturing and respecting children.
- Listening to Voices: The Promise amplifies GIRFEC’s commitment to hearing children’s perspectives, ensuring they play an active role in decisions about their lives.
- Transforming Systems: While GIRFEC provides a framework for support, The Promise calls for wider systemic change, including improvements in how professionals collaborate and how families are supported.
Examples of Integration
- Named Person Role: The Promise highlights the importance of trusted relationships, enhancing GIRFEC’s Named Person service by emphasising compassion and trust.
- SHANARRI Indicators: The Promise aligns with GIRFEC’s holistic view of wellbeing, particularly in creating nurturing environments where children feel loved and respected.
- Support for Families: The Promise reinforces GIRFEC’s focus on keeping families together, ensuring that the right help is available to prevent children entering care unnecessarily.
The Future of GIRFEC and The Promise
Together, The Promise and GIRFEC are shaping a future where Scotland’s children grow up loved, supported, and empowered. By combining GIRFEC’s structured framework with The Promise’s transformative vision, Scotland is leading the way in creating systems that truly put children and families first.
