The use of AI in child wellbeing is growing across Scotland’s care and education sectors. As organisations look to improve how they apply the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators, technology is increasingly being used to support recording, analysis and decision-making.
However, the role of AI must be carefully understood. It is not a replacement for professional judgement. It is a tool designed to support it.
The Opportunity for AI in Wellbeing
Professionals working with children and young people generate large volumes of information every day. Observations, case notes and updates all contribute to understanding wellbeing.
AI can help by:
- Identifying patterns across large datasets
- Highlighting changes in behaviour or wellbeing
- Supporting earlier identification of concerns
- Reducing time spent on manual reporting
This allows professionals to focus more on interpretation and action rather than data processing.
Supporting Early Insight
One of the key benefits of AI is its ability to recognise patterns over time. Changes that may not be obvious in isolation can become clearer when information is analysed collectively.
For example:
- Gradual changes in behaviour linked to Safe or Nurtured
- Shifts in engagement linked to Achieving or Included
- Emerging concerns related to Healthy
By identifying these trends early, professionals can respond more effectively and provide timely support.
The Importance of Human Judgement
While AI can provide valuable insight, it cannot replace the experience and understanding of professionals.
Decisions about support, intervention and care must always be based on:
- Professional expertise
- Knowledge of the individual child or young person
- Context and lived experience
- Ethical considerations
AI should support these decisions, not make them.
Managing Risk and Responsibility
The use of AI in child wellbeing also raises important considerations around ethics, privacy and accountability.
Organisations must ensure that:
- Data is handled securely and appropriately
- Insights are used responsibly
- Decisions remain transparent and accountable
- The child’s best interests remain central
This requires a balanced approach where technology is used carefully and thoughtfully.
A Responsible Approach to AI
Geco Connect has been developed with this balance in mind. Its AI-enabled features are designed to support professionals by organising information and highlighting patterns within the SHANARRI framework.
Rather than replacing judgement, it helps teams make more informed decisions by providing clearer insight into wellbeing trends and outcomes.
This ensures that technology enhances practice while keeping the focus on the individual needs of each young person.
Looking Ahead
AI will continue to play a growing role in supporting child wellbeing. When used appropriately, it offers significant potential to improve how information is understood and applied.
The key is ensuring that it remains a tool that supports professionals, strengthens practice and ultimately improves outcomes for children and young people.
See SHANARRI in Practice
If you would like to see how AI is being used to support SHANARRI and improve wellbeing insight, Geco Connect can help.
Book a demo to see how it works in practice.