Examining some links between legislation, policy and practice

In Week 4 you considered the story of Arianna. You reflected on how best to support her parents to seek expert help following a concern about her eye health. You might wish to remind yourself about this example [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

As you reflected on Arianna’s situation you linked the practitioners’ observations with wellbeing indicators. The GIRFEC Wellbeing Indicators are one important way of structuring your thinking about a child’s support needs.

Now consider another set of principles and standards – the Health and Social Care Standards: my support, my life (Scottish Government, 2017a). The standards underpin the Care Inspectorate’s inspection process. The standards direct attention to the child’s experience, stating that ‘everyone is entitled to high quality care and support tailored towards their particular needs and choices’ (p. 2).

The five principles of the Health and Social Care Standards are listed below, along with some examples of how the principles of the Standards can be met. As you read the list, think about the statements from a child’s perspective.

Health and Social Care Standards – the principles

Dignity and respect

  • My human rights are respected and promoted.
  • I am respected and treated with dignity as an individual.
  • I am treated fairly and do not experience discrimination.
  • My privacy is respected.

Compassion

  • I experience warm, compassionate and nurturing care and support.
  • My care is provided by people who understand and are sensitive to my needs and my wishes.

Be included

  • I receive the right information at the right time and in a way that I can understand.
  • I am supported to make informed choices, so that I can control my care and support.
  • I am included in wider decisions about the way the service is provided, and my suggestions, feedback and concerns are considered.
  • I am supported to participate fully and actively in my community.

Responsive care and support

  • My health and social care needs are assessed and reviewed to ensure I receive the right support and care at the right time.
  • My care and support adapts when my needs, choices and decisions change.
  • I experience consistency in who provides my care and support and in how it is provided.
  • If I make a complaint it is acted on.

Wellbeing

  • I am asked about my lifestyle preferences and aspirations and I am supported to achieve these.
  • I am encouraged and helped to achieve my full potential.
  • I am supported to make informed choices, even if this means I might be taking personal risks.
  • I feel safe and I am protected from neglect, abuse or avoidable harm.

Now complete the following activity.

Activity 6.2  Linking children’s experiences to the National Standards on Health and Social Care

Timing: Allow 15 minutes
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Before moving on to explore policies further, take a moment to think about the children you work with. If you are not currently working with children, think about one of the examples in the module so far. Hold these children in your mind as you move to the next section where you will think about statements about policy and best practice guidelines in your setting.

6.2  How can legislation and policies work in practice?

6.3  Policies in your setting