Children and young people in Lanarkshire are set to have a named person from 31 August 2016.

The named person is part of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The act, which is about improving the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland, includes key parts of the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach.

Most children and young people get all the help and support they need from their parent(s), wider family and community, but sometimes they may need a bit of extra support. The Act gives all children and young people from birth to 18, or beyond if still in school, access to a named person to help support their wellbeing.

A named person will be a central point of contact if a child, young person or their parent(s) want information or advice, or if they want to talk about any worries and seek support.

A named person will normally be the health visitor for a pre-school child and a promoted teacher – such as a headteacher, or guidance teacher or other promoted member of staff – for a school age child.

The named person duties are integrated into their current role and strengthen the support they currently provide/.

A named person will be available to listen, advise and help a child or young person and their parent(s), provide direct support or help them access other services.  For example, a health visitor might ask for help from a speech and language therapist, or a guidance teacher may put parents in touch with a local bereavement counselling service.

They will also be a point of contact for other services if they have any concerns about a child’s or young person’s wellbeing.

For more information on GIRFEC visit: www.gov.scot/girfec