Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 2B: Approach to multi-agency assessment in child protection 75 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 2.227 The GIRFEC National Practice Model p rovides shared practice concepts within assessment and planning. Practitioners should be familiar with the core elements such as the ‘SHANARRI’ wellbeing indicators, the My World Triangle, and the resilience matrix as summarised below. Together they support holistic analysis of safety and wellbeing, dimensions of need, and the interaction of strengths and concerns. Using GIRFEC components in assessment 2.228 The wellbeing indicators p rovide a holistic representation of children’s wellbeing needs and outcomes. Safety is paramount. The eight indicators are inter-connected. They encapsulate children’s rights to be: safe, healthy; achieving, nurtured; active, respected, responsible and included, as set out in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. 2.229 The My World Triangle i s a starting point for considering what unmet developmental needs, including unmet needs for protection might be present in a child’s life. The Triangle focuses attention on the three dimensions of a child’s world: the child; their family; and their wider environment. When a concern has arisen, the Triangle is a useful tool for gathering information about strengths and concerns within an investigation. Practitioners using the My World Triangle will need to consider who is best placed within the family and professional network to provide information in relation to specific areas within a child’s life. It is important not to pay as much attention to the ‘My Wider World’ part of the triangle as to the other two aspects. 2.230 The resilience matrix may be used in consideration of the dynamic interaction of stresses and protective factors in the child’s world. ‘Resilience’ refers to positive adaptation despite serious adversities and threats to a child’s development. 2.231 The concept of resilience promotes analysis. The matrix is a tool which may help practitioners and key family members share understanding about concerns, and think about how to target support. The matrix is not an exact formula or map. However, it may assist focus and review of progress in relation to: • dominant risks/concerns • protective factors and what is working well • what needs to change to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing 2.232 When reflecting on the current vulnerability of the child, it may be useful to consider the following factors: • are there any qualities or characteristics of the child which might render them more vulnerable? • does the child have disabilities or communication support needs? • how does parental understanding and expectation influence the child’s safety and wellbeing? Are the expectations reasonable for the child’s age and stage of development? How do services understand the family’s cultural beliefs and expectations as far as this is relevant to safety? • are there issues from the parents’ own history which shape their expectations, beliefs and behaviour? • how have the child’s past experiences affected their vulnerability?