The Shetland Community Planning Partnership. Parenting Strategy For Shetland

Transcription

1 The Shetland Community Planning Partnership Parenting Strategy For Shetland Consultation Version June 2011

2 Contents Introduction... 1 Definition... 1 Purpose and Aims of the Shetland Parenting Strategy... 1 Our Vision... 1 National Context... 2 Local Context... 3 Process of developing the strategy:... 3 Objectives... 5 Staged Intervention Framework... 6 Level 2: Universal Services with an additional need... 6 Level 3: Statutory Targeted Services... 6 Level 4: Children at Risk Statutory Specialist Intervention... 6 Partnership with Parents Monitoring and Review Action Plan Appendix 1: Membership of Parenting Sub Group of Shetland Children and Young People s Forum Appendix 2: Corporate Parenting References and Further Reading: Working in Partnership with Parents

3 Introduction This strategy has been developed by a sub-group of the Shetland Integrated Children and Young People s (ICYP) Forum. The sub-group comprised representatives from statutory and voluntary organisations working to support children and families in Shetland (Appendix 1). This strategy will form a key part of the Integrated Children s Plan for Shetland It also encompasses the corporate parenting responsibilities of the Local Authority and its partner agencies. (See Appendix 2) Parenting has a major impact on a child s life opportunities Parents, carers and families are not the only influence on a child s behaviour but effective parenting is one of the strongest protective factors for a child. It is vital that all agencies, organisations and individuals with a role in supporting parents work together in a planned, co-ordinated and locally responsive way, so that parenting support in Shetland reflects the population, requirements and the resources available. This strategy reflects Shetland s Single Outcome Agreement in Our Vision terms of its priorities. (See page 18 for further details). Definition For the purpose of this strategy, when referring to parents, we include mothers, fathers, carers or other significant adults. This strategy also encompasses issues of diversity, equality, ethnicity and disability. Purpose and Aims of the Shetland Parenting Strategy The purpose of this Strategy is to set out a clear framework within which information, services and support for parents and carers can be developed and shared with children and their families. This will ensure a consistency of approach by professionals to assist them in implementing high quality, evidence based interventions that impact on and improve outcomes for children and their families. These interventions should include measurable outcomes. Our vision is that parents are confident, competent and nurturing and supported in developing the skills they need to ensure that children grow up happy, healthy and achieve the very best they can. The aims are to improve the life opportunities for children and to contribute to the four national strategic objectives, which are that children have the opportunity to be: successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. 1 Working in Partnership with Parents

4 We believe this can be achieved through making sure that children and young people are safe, nurtured, healthy, achieving, active, respected, responsible and included (Scottish Government 2008). More specifically, the aims of the strategy are: 1. To support the positive parenting of children in Shetland in order that all children have the opportunity to achieve their potential. 2. To encourage all those who have a parenting role to access parenting support whenever they need it. 3. To provide a range of comprehensive parenting support services which meet the identified needs of parents and carers of children of all ages and which parents and carers can readily access. The approach should be population wide, but have the capacity to target and provide specific support where that support is most needed. The key principles of effective parenting include: Loving, nurturing and stimulating family experiences with consistent boundaries; Attachment development, from pre-birth and nurtured in the early months; Parental involvement with the child; playing, talking and stimulating the child; Positive and realistic parental expectations, beliefs and attitudes and encouraging equality and diversity; and Parental supervision to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of the child. These principles can be found in families regardless of income, culture and social background, and furthermore, can also be learned and developed. National Context Parenting has had an increasing focus nationally in addressing better outcomes for children and young people. This Strategy links to a number of important policies and initiatives within Shetland and Scotland including: Children (Scotland) Act (1995) i Better Health, Better Care (2007) ii Curriculum for Excellence (2004) iii Early Years Framework (2008) iv Health for all Children (Hall 4) (2005) v Getting it Right for Every Child (Girfec) (2004) vi Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan (2008) vii Hidden Harm (2004) viii Getting our Priorities Right (2006) ix Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act 2006 x 2 Working in Partnership with Parents

5 Equally Well (2009) xi Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland (2008) xii Additional Support for Learning Act (2009) xiii Mental Health Act (2009) xiv These various initiatives highlight the need for early intervention and accessible nonstigmatising services for families, with all relevant agencies involved in their delivery. Local Context There are a number of factors which have influenced the development of the Parenting Strategy. Forecasting the population for a relatively small community such as Shetland is particularly difficult as migration rates, one of the key variables, can be very volatile. Shetland had one of the largest percentage population increases in Scotland last year (2010) Statistics released by the General Register of Scotland show the number of people registered in Shetland NHS board area as 22,400 in June This figure, comprising 11,348 men and 11,052 women, increased by more than one per cent in the previous 12 months. In 2009, there were 272 births. In 2009, 48% of mothers were still breast-feeding after six weeks. However this figure had fallen from 54% in In Scotland, the teenage pregnancy rate has been fairly steady for the past decade. In 2007, in the under 16 age group there were 8.1 pregnancies per 1,000, the same rate as The rates in the older age groups have risen slightly with the under 18s rising from 41.5 per 1,000 in 2006 to 42.4 per 1,000 in 2007 and the under 20s from 57.9 per 1,000 to 58.6 per 1,000. In 2010, there were 90 referrals to the Reporter in Shetland. This rate of referral of 20.6 per 1,000 of the population aged 0-15 years is twice as high as local authorities which are similar to ours in terms of size and make-up (comparator authorities) (10.4). The number of children on the Child Protection Register in Shetland was 14 in 2010 (rate 3.2 per 1,000 which was similar to comparator authorities (3.1)). Currently (March 2011) there are 8 children on the register. During 2009 and 2010, the number of children who were being looked after and accommodated ranged from between 30 and 37. Key to returning children to their families is often the resolution of parenting issues. Process of developing the strategy: In a survey of 3000 households which was conducted in Shetland in , the researcher (Anita Orheim) found that there were significant gaps in service provision namely: Nearly all agencies felt that there was a need for parenting programmes that would be effective and deliverable; 3 Working in Partnership with Parents

6 Parents were afraid to ask for support because of fear of agency involvement and of the risk of losing their children; There was potential for much more involvement with fathers; It was clear that there was a need for accessible and reliable information on services that support parents. To complement these findings, the Steering Group undertook a gap analysis and looked at services currently working with children. In addition, to get a much more comprehensive picture it was also agreed to questionnaire the Shetland population. A survey was undertaken using Survey Monkey and questionnaires were completed in face to face sessions with parents with key workers. There were 300 responses. The survey found that on the whole, parents felt they received the help they needed and were happy with the service they received in Shetland. However some areas where they felt they had not received sufficient help included: Bullying and mental health Breastfeeding, Managing older children and teenagers Coping with difficult behaviour Someone to listen/to talk to How to set boundaries Support for bullying and mental health was considered poor by 6% of respondents and support for breastfeeding was considered poor by 4% of respondents. Parents said their main needs were coping with difficult behaviour (28.5%), information on health (26.7%), child development and managing older children and teenagers (both 22.9%) as being their top needs in terms of parenting support. When asked what would make parenting easier, parents replied: Better childcare, better worklife balance, flexible working; More money; Accessible information; Having a confidential, non-judgemental place to discuss concerns and get some reassurance that you re managing and that parenting is hard work, but you re going in the right direction; 4 Working in Partnership with Parents

7 Shared understanding of and responsibility for boundaries at school, home and within communities; and Less pressure to be fantastic at parenting. Parents said that they would like help to be available via websites (54.4%), health centres (64.3%) and over the phone (45.2%). Parents reported the following as barriers to them accessing help: stigma, isolation, embarrassment, not knowing that help was available, or how to access it, time, thinking that services were for others those with specific problems with drugs, for example. They also felt that Health Visitors were over stretched and too busy to see them. It should be noted, however, that a redesign and development of the health visiting workforce is already underway to further support the needs of families, children and young people. Services need to work with parents to improve their parenting ability and ensure support is generic and targeted, focusing on early intervention and preventative, rather than reactive, services. It was also clear that an individualised, person-centred and flexible approach should be taken, that is age and stage appropriate. Objectives A number of key objectives for the Shetland Parenting Strategy have emerged which will improve wellbeing outcomes for children and their families: 1. To ensure parents and carers have the information and knowledge they need to make informed, independent and confident decisions and choices about how to bring up their children; 2. To develop and deliver good quality universal support for parents where there are currently recognised to be gaps in provision; 3. To increase the skills and confidence of parents to adopt healthy lifestyles and bring up their children in supportive, positive and health-promoting environments; 4. To provide specialised, targeted support at a local level to meet the needs of families facing additional difficulties; 5. To deliver services which focus on prevention and early intervention to support parents before they reach crisis; 6. To ensure parenting services are accessible and there is no stigma associated with asking for help. The actions for achieving these objectives are outlined in the Action Plan on pages Working in Partnership with Parents

8 Staged Intervention Framework Organisations in Shetland who work with children work within similar definitions of intervention. However, even minor differences in interpreting different stages of intervention can impact on service planning and delivery. It is vital to the success of this Strategy that those involved in its implementation work from a common understanding of the following model of staged intervention. Level 1: Universal Services All parents are entitled to universal services. The term universal services includes education, health services, housing, and environmental services etc. Universal services are the services that are first used by parents, who at any stage of their parenting may require some additional general parenting support. The Government is committed to improving opportunities and outcomes for children and young people as early as possible; using this staged model will reduce the need for more intensive support in the future; an example is that access to parenting support at this level will be available through the Family Information Service. Level 2: Universal Services with an additional need This is when an additional need has been identified and extra support is put in place, for example, linking into the low level support available through Parent Network Scotland. The aim would be to prevent more serious problems and therefore the need for more intensive support in the future. This would be co-ordinated through GIRFEC process. Level 3: Statutory Targeted Services This level of support includes children and families needing intensive assistance, which will often involve more formal support, co-ordinated through GIRFEC, pre- and post protection plans using Family Support Workers, Triple P programmes etc. Level 4: Children at Risk Statutory Specialist Intervention Children and Families that have a high level of support needs which may include formal measures such as Supervision Requirements, Triple P Parenting Programmes, Protection Plans etc. 6 Working in Partnership with Parents

9 The tables on the following pages show a range of services within Shetland, which are available to parents according to the age of their child/children. Although we have tried to plot these as clearly as we can, several can be delivered by different people from different services; for example, parenting programmes are delivered by volunteer parents, the voluntary sector, health visitors, The Bridges project and social work staff. We also recognise that this list is not exhaustive development of a fuller list of services available is one of the key actions identified within the action plan. 7 Working in Partnership with Parents

10 Level 1: Universal Services for Parents Agency Antenatal Birth to Health GPs and Primary Health Care Staff Midwives & Health Visitors School Nurses Voluntary Sector National Childbirth Trust etc Voluntary Sector, faith & other organisations, Parenting Programmes, Young Carers Group SYIS Integrated Early Years and Community Services Childminders, daycare and pre-school provision Family Centre After school clubs and holiday play schemes Learning and Community Libraries and family learning Youth services Youth workers Information Families information service Special Educational needs services Additional Support for Learning Schools Nursery/Primary Primary/Secondary 8 Working in Partnership with Parents

11 Level 2: Universal Supports for Parents Agency Antenatal Birth to Health GPs and Primary Health Care Staff, Allied Health Professionals Midwives & Health Visitors School Nurses ASN Services Home Link Child Development Initiative Paediatrics Voluntary Sector Voluntary Sector, faith & other organisations, Parenting Programmes, Young Carers Group SYIS Integrated Early Years and Community Services Learning and Community Bruce Family Centre, Parenting Programmes Wider family learning including lower level parenting programmes Youth services Young Mum s Group Youth workers, Anti-social Behaviour support Bridges Information Families information service Special Educational needs services Pre-school Home Visiting Teacher Home visiting Teacher Schools Teachers Guidance staff 9 Working in Partnership with Parents

12 Level 3: Statutory Targeted Services Agency Antenatal Birth to Health Police GPs and Primary Health Care Staff, Midwives & Health Visitors, School Nurses, CAMHS, Hospital and Community Paediatrics, Community Children s Nurse, Allied Health Professionals Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer ASN Services Home Link Paediatrics Child Development Initiative Voluntary Sector Disabilities Voluntary Sector, faith & other organisations, Shetland Women s Aid, Family Mediation, (including Parenting Apart sessions) Integrated Early Years and Community Services Learning and Community Youth services Information Special Educational needs services Bereavement Support for bereaved parents Shetland Befriending Scheme Bruce Family Centre, Parenting Programmes Autism Support Group Wider family learning including lower level parenting programmes Coordinated Support Plans Youth workers, Bridges, Anti-social Behaviour support, Young Mum s Group Families information service Pre-school Home Visiting Teacher Home visiting Teacher SYIS Schools Teachers Guidance staff Social Work Looked After Children, Parents of adopted Children Reporter Looked After Children Restorative Justice All services GIRFEC 10 Working in Partnership with Parents

13 Level 4: Statutory Specialist Interventions Agency Antenatal Birth to Health Police GPs and Primary Health Care Staff Midwives & Health Visitors, School Nurses, CAMHS, Hospital and Community Paediatrics, Community Children s Nurse, Allied Health Professionals Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer ASN Services Home Link Paediatrics Child Development Initiative Voluntary Sector Integrated Early Years and Community Services Learning and Community Youth services Information Special Educational needs services Disabilities Voluntary Sector, faith & other organisations, Shetland Women s Aid, Family Mediation, (including Parenting Apart sessions), CADSS & Substance Misuse Shetland Befriending Scheme Bruce Family Centre, Parenting Programmes Wider family learning including higher level parenting programmes Families information service Coordinated Support Plans Youth workers, Bridges, Anti-social Behaviour support, Young Mum s Group Pre-school Home Visiting Teacher Home visiting Teacher Schools Teachers Guidance staff Social Work Reporter All services Substance Misuse, Child Protection, Compulsory measures, Looked After Children, Young People Misusing Substances Looked After Children Restorative Justice Triple PPP, Mellow Parenting 11 Working in Partnership with Parents

14 Partnership with Parents Being responsible for the care, protection, guidance and control of children is a challenge to all parents. All parents need assistance in some ways to support them in helping their children grow, learn and develop to maturity. The vast majority of parents want the best for their children and this forms the basis of partnership working in supporting parents. To enable this partnership to work effectively it must enshrine a number of key principles. These include: The child s wellbeing is always at the heart of the work. Recognising that life events and experiences impact on all parents ability to exercise their parental responsibilities. Providing the particular support that is required in a non-judgemental fashion. Ensuring that the views of parents and their children are central and included in the assessment of need. Offering support that builds on parenting strengths, is enabling, empowering and recognises the rights of parents to make choices and decisions in the best interests of their children. Taking complaints about services seriously and resolving them in an open and transparent manner. Working in collaboration with Adult/Community Care services. Barriers to participation in parenting support services must be identified and overcome. Children and parents must be involved in the planning and delivery of services. Any programmes of parenting support that are delivered must be effective and value for money. All services working within the context of the Shetland Parenting Strategy need to act in accordance with the key statutory duties and procedural responsibilities when the health, welfare and development of children may be compromised. Monitoring and Review The Parenting Strategy Group will review the progress of this strategy every three months, and produce an annual report, which will include formal and informal monitoring of progress. Prior to the plan being updated, the Parenting Survey will be reissued to help measure progress towards achieving the outcomes of the strategy. Before any parenting programme can be delivered in Shetland, the aims, funding arrangements, target groups and plans for sustainability of the programme must be presented to the Parenting Strategy Group for approval. All parenting programmes delivered within Shetland and agreed by the Strategy Group will be required to submit progress against their objectives on a six-monthly basis. 12 Working in Partnership with Parents

15 The Parenting Strategy Group will also address the retention and training of the voluntary and statutory personnel required to deliver the parenting programmes to ensure sustainability. The Parenting Strategy Group will have a responsibility to ensure that the programmes being delivered are consistent with the Aims and values of this strategy and the Staged Intervention Approach. 13 Working in Partnership with Parents

16 Action Plan Objectives Indicators Target Actions Timescale Responsibility 1.Parents and carers have the information and knowledge they need to make informed, independent and confident decisions and choices about how to bring up their children Comprehensive information sources available, encompassing information, advice & signposting to other services One comprehensive and regularly updated portal. Provide a comprehensive Family Information service/directory Promote information source Ensure availability of information source in various settings, in which parents and carers feel comfortable Develop system for reviewing and updating information service / directory to ensure it is up to date. October 2011 Shetland Childcare Partnership/SYIS/ Parenting Strategy Group Range of places & methods through which services can be accessed Variety of sources e.g. early years settings, schools, primary healthcare services, telephone helplines, internet. Level of parental awareness of the range of information and support available 80% of parents/carers surveyed know how to source family support (baseline 64% - Anita Orheim Parenting survey 2009) 14 Working in Partnership with Parents

17 Objectives Indicators Target Actions Timescale Responsibility 2.Ensure good quality universal support is developed and delivered where there are currently recognised gaps in provision 3.Parents have the skills and confidence to adopt healthy lifestyles and bring up their children in supportive, positive and healthpromoting environments Number of new resources available (delivered within existing resources) and integrated with existing and developing services No. of parents describing their needs as being met. Percentage of women smoking at booking Numbers of children affected by parental alcohol and drug misuse Numbers of children outwith a healthy weight % of mothers breastfeeding at 6-8 week check 5 28% of parents in the 2010/11 survey said their needs had not been met figures 18.1%. Average of 14% Reduce to 10% by Target to be identified Children in Primary 1 outwith healthy weight: 2008/9 14% 2009/10 19% Aim for 57% by Develop training and support for: - parenting of teenagers - dealing with difficult behaviour - talking to children & young people about sex, sexuality, relationships, drugs & alcohol These will form part of Level 1 of the Staged Intervention Framework. Continue to support pregnant women in stopping smoking Develop preparation for pregnancy/parenting support, including delivery of Curriculum for Excellence. Continue to promote breastfeeding to 6 months Continue to deliver Family Counterweight Programme All the above form part of Level 1 of the staged intervention framework. September 2012 Parenting Strategy Group 2014 NHS Shetland 15 Working in Partnership with Parents

18 Objectives Indicators Target Actions Timescale Responsibility % of children displaying age-appropriate communication skills To be agreed % of mothers who have a good maternal attachment. To be agreed Identifying babies/mothers with attachment issues and offering appropriate support 4.Specialised, targeted support is available at a local level to meet the needs of families facing additional difficulties No. of children referred to Children s Reporter on Care & Protection grounds No. of Looked After young people No. of Young People involved in ASB No. of parents engaging in parenting programmes to improve outcomes for their children Targets to be agreed from following baselines: In 2010, there were 90 referrals to the Reporter in Shetland. This rate of referral of 20.6 per 1,000 of the population aged 0-15 years is twice as high as comparator authorities (10.4). The number of children on the Child Protection Register in Shetland was 14 in 2010 (rate 3.2 per 1,000 which was similar to comparator authorities (3.1)). Develop coordinated approach to parenting support, through the introduction of the staged intervention framework Ensure that all proposals to develop and deliver further parenting training are agreed by the strategy group to ensure that they meet the standards required Identify existing workers who are trained to deliver parenting support, and ensure that they intervene at an early stage with families who are at risk or identified as vulnerable. (e.g. Triple P) Identify existing & potential resources establish cost effective, and accountable, coordinated Sept 2011 Sept 2011 SIC Children s Services Parenting Strategy Group Parenting Strategy Group Parenting Strategy Group 16 Working in Partnership with Parents

19 Objectives Indicators Target Actions Timescale Responsibility Currently (March 2011) there are 8 children on the register. During 2009 and 2010, the number of children were being looked after and accommodated ranged between 30 and 37. programme of support Using available resources, e.g. Family Mediation, maintain children and rehabilitate them within their families. Re-establish parenting programmes, ensuring that they are sustainable in the long term. Parenting Strategy Group 5.Services focus on prevention and early intervention to support parents before they reach crisis Numbers of pregnant women presenting by weeks Pregnancies amongst under 16 year olds rate % of mothers experiencing post natal depression within the first 3 months after giving birth When survey is repeated, number of parents stating that their needs were met, or they didn t have any needs. To be agreed Maintain below 4% (due to variability of very low numbers. To be agreed To be agreed Pre-pregnancy/preparation for parenting SHARE Sexual health clinic Continue to encourage women to book with a midwife at weeks Provide support in developing play skills of parents Develop method(s) of building the capacity of staff to work in this way, through training, education and support. Develop Parent Link Service, to be September 2011 Consultant Midwife/HVs CPHM CPHM Consultant Midwife Shetland Pre-School Play? Parenting Strategy group Policy Manager, SIC 17 Working in Partnership with Parents

20 Objectives Indicators Target Actions Timescale Responsibility No of parents referred to Parent Link Service per year and no. of agencies making referrals. No of services aware of routes into parenting services available To be agreed Appropriate referrals from all agencies. delivered by the voluntary sector, to increasing outreach and community capacity to support parenting skills To be agreed 6.Services are accessible and there is no stigma associated with asking for help Clear descriptions of services available, how they are accessed, who they are appropriate for Publicise all services available make sure professionals understand the role of each kind and routes into them Active dissemination of information 18 Working in Partnership with Parents

21 The actions above address the following strategic outcomes, set out in Shetland s Single Outcome Agreement: National Outcomes Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed. 6. We live longer, healthier lives. 7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society. 8. We have improved the life chances for children, young people and families at risk. 11. We have strong, resilient and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others. 15. Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people s needs. Local Outcomes (Fairer and Healthier) F.1 We have reduced the level of and the impact of poverty, deprivation and social exclusion in Shetland. F.2 Socio-economic disadvantage does not impact on the opportunities people have. To help people sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care. Hth.1 Maintain a healthy life expectancy, focusing on early years, healthy weight, alcohol, drugs and mental health. Hth.2 Tackle health inequalities ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable and hard to reach groups are recognised and met. Hth.3 We will support and protect the most vulnerable members of the community, promoting independence and ensuring services are targeted at those that are most in need. 19 Working in Partnership with Parents

22 Appendix 1: Membership of Parenting Sub Group of Shetland Children and Young People s Forum Hughina Leslie: Service Manager, Children s Services, Social Work, Shetland Islands Council Emma Perring: Policy Manager, Shetland Islands Council Sheila Fraser: Public Health Nurse Development Manager, NHS Shetland Elizabeth Robinson: Shetland Health Improvement Manager, NHS Shetland Rosemary Inkster: Childcare Partnership Officer, Shetland Childcare Partnership Rob Lamey: GIRFEC Project Manager, Shetland Islands Council Lesley Roberts: Quality Improvement Officer, Education Department, Shetland Islands Council (Replaced by Maggie Spence from 1 st April 2011) Shona Manson: Family Mediation Shetland Eleanor Robertson: Manager, Bruce Family Centre 20 Working in Partnership with Parents

23 Appendix 2: Corporate Parenting Each Local Authority and its partner agencies have a responsibility as Corporate Parents with specific regard to Looked After Children and Young People. Successful Corporate Parenting depends upon having clear strategic leadership and Elected Members and Senior Officers of the Council have a key role to play in safeguarding the outcomes and life chances of looked after children and young people. Everyone has to be committed to ensuring that every child or young person in our care has the opportunity to achieve the outcomes that we would want for every child. This commitment includes the provision of support that addresses disadvantage and enables every child and young person to reach their full potential. The corporate responsibility of the whole Council and its partner agencies as corporate parents is to deliver improved outcomes for Looked After Children and Young People. Being a good Corporate Parent means: Accepting responsibility for all children and Young People in the care of the Council Keeping and meeting the needs of Looked After Children and Young People as a high priority Seeking the same outcomes any responsible parent would want for their own child. The Corporate Parenting Report that was agreed at Shetland Islands Council Services Committee in January 2008 sets out responsibilities and will bring together, in a coordinated way through the Children's Services Strategic Planning Group, a coherent approach to meeting the needs of the children and young people in Shetland. Corporate Parenting Training is available and currently provided by the Scottish Government. 21 Working in Partnership with Parents

24 References and Further Reading: i The Children (Scotland) Act 2005: An Act to reform the law of Scotland relating to children, to the adoption of children and to young persons who as children have been looked after by a local authority; to make new provision as respects the relationship between parent and child and guardian and child in the law of Scotland; to make provision as respects residential establishments for children and certain other residential establishments; and for connected purposes. ii Better Health, Better Care This Action Plan sets out the Government's programme to deliver a healthier Scotland by helping people to sustain and improve their health, especially in disadvantaged communities, ensuring better, local and faster access to health care. The report is informed by the response to the consultation on Better Health, Better Care: A Discussion Document (August 2007). iii Curriculum for Excellence (2004) Curriculum for Excellence aims to achieve a transformation in education in Scotland by providing a coherent, more flexible and enriched curriculum from 3 to 18.The curriculum includes the totality of experiences which are planned for children and young people through their education, wherever they are being educated. iv Early Years Framework (2008) The Framework is intended to improve the life chances of Scotland s children and tackle inequalities by targeting the early years. The Framework sets out a radical shift away from a culture of crisis management to early intervention. The key priority is to develop longer-term solutions that support children and parents. This means channelling resources into services for children, young people and families who are vulnerable or at risk, and providing them with support before problems arise or become serious. It also aims to build greater resilience by promoting strong, functional and well-supported families. v Health for all Children (Hall 4) (2005) a framework for connecting the range of different policies and spheres of activity that support children and young people s health and development in the early years and beyond. It sets out a clear core programme of child health contacts that every family can expect, wherever they live in Scotland. But it also recognises that individual families are different, and that we must be flexible and innovative if we want to ensure that all families are able to access and benefit from the advice, support and services that are available to them. vi Getting it Right for Every Child (Girfec) (2004) People/childrensservices/girfec/programme-overview Getting it right for every child (also known as GIRFEC) is a national approach to supporting and working with all children and young people in Scotland. It affects all services for children and adult services where children are involved. It is based on research, evidence and best practice and designed to ensure all parents, carers and professionals work effectively together to give children and young people the best start we can and improve their life opportunities. vii Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan (2008) This plan details thirteen Priorities for Action under the key themes of protection, provision, primary prevention through education, and participation. It takes a holistic approach to addressing domestic abuse, recognising that measures to improve outcomes for children and young people include achieving better outcomes for all involved. This means addressing the needs of the non-abusing parent, which will most often be the mother, and dealing effectively with the perpetrator. viii Hidden Harm (2004) 22 Working in Partnership with Parents

25 A plan which emphasises this must include the earlier identification of children of substance misusing parents, the provision of improved care and support for such children, and the facilitation of more effective communication and joint working across agencies. ix Getting our Priorities Right (2006) Policy and practice guidelines for working with children and families affected by problem drug use to ensure that children affected by drug misusing parents get the support they need from agencies. x Scottish Schools (Parental Involvement) Act An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make further provision for the involvement of parents in their children's education and in school education generally; to provide for the establishment of councils to represent the parents of pupils attending public schools; to abolish School Boards; to make further provision as regards the appointment of teachers; to make further provision as regards the content of the development plan for a school xi Equally Well (2009) Equally Well reports on health inequalities, showing the impact of key factors such as poverty and poor housing on overall health and life expectancy, and identifies the importance of intervention in the very early years. xii Achieving Our Potential: A Framework to tackle poverty and income inequality in Scotland (2008) Achieving Our Potential tackles poverty and income inequalities with the aim of increasing the overall income earned in Scotland and, particularly, raising it for the lowest 30% of earners. xiii Additional Support for Learning Act (2009) This Act provides the legal framework underpinning the system for supporting children and young people in their school education, and their families. This framework is based on the idea of additional support needs. This term applies to children or young people who, for whatever reason, require additional support, long or short term, in order to help them make the most of their school education. Children or young people may require additional support for a variety of reasons including those who have motor or sensory impairments, are being bullied or are particularly able or talented (these are examples of a range of issues). xiv Mental Health Act (2009) 23 Working in Partnership with Parents