Children’s Hearing System

Question 1

Structure of the Childrens Hearing System

Answer 1

Referral, hearing, outcome

Question 2

Structure: referral

Answer 2

When someone has a concern about a child, they make a referral to the system. Police may refer a child if they have committed a crime (to support the child)

Question 3

Structure example: referral

Answer 3

In 2022-23, 2145 referrals were made to the hearing system in Edinburgh

Question 4

Structure: hearing

Answer 4

If a reporter believes the child needs support, they create a panel of volunteers for the child to meet. Informal setting.

Question 5

Structure example: hearing

Answer 5

795 hearings were held in Edinburgh in 2022-23

Question 6

Structure: outcome

Answer 6

After a panel is held, members will decide the best course of action for the child. Could be supervising or removing

Question 7

Structure example: outcome

Answer 7

In 2022-23, the CHS issued 135 Compulsory Supervision Orders in Edinburgh

Question 8

Powers of the Childrens Hearing System

Answer 8

Have a child supervised in their home, remove a child from their home, record a criminal conviction and refer to outside agencies

Question 9

Power: Have a child supervised in their home

Answer 9

The child can still live their day-to-day life but a social worker would visit to supervise for their protection

Question 10

Power example: Have a child supervised in their home

Answer 10

In 2022-23, the CHS issued 135 compulsory supervision orders in Edinburgh

Question 11

Power: Remove a child from their home

Answer 11

If necessary, the CHS issues an order for a child to be removed from their home, only used in extreme cases where the child is facing abuse or neglect

Question 12

Power example: Remove a child from their home

Answer 12

In 2022-23, the CHS issued 41 Child Protection Orders in Edinburgh

Question 13

Power: Record a criminal conviction and refer to outside agencies

Answer 13

Only used when the panel decides tat the event is serious enough to warrant a formal record of conviction, they refer the young person to outside agencies such as social services

Question 14

Power example: Record a criminal conviction and refer to outside agencies

Answer 14

In Edinburgh, the CHS refers young people to “Edinburgh EH1” who support young people who have offended or have substance abuse issues

Question 15

Roles of the Childrens Hearing Systems

Answer 15

Have a reporter investigate any referrals, organise a panel, support a child who has been referred and act in their best interests

Question 16

Role: Have a reporter investigate any referrals

Answer 16

Reports gather evidence and statements to decide if a panel should be held, also considers if this is in the best interest of the child

Question 17

Role example: Have a reporter investigate any referrals

Answer 17

According to the system, 75% of all referrals come from the police

Question 18

Role: Organise a panel

Answer 18

If a reporter decides that a panel should be held, they contact members such as family and teachers

Question 19

Role example: organise a panel

Answer 19

A panel usually consists of three volunteers and teachers or social workers and family who should be present

Question 20

Role: support a child who has been referred and act in their best interests

Answer 20

The panel doesn’t decide whether a young person is guilty of a crime, they support the best interests of the child and what keeps them safe and happy

Question 21

Role example: support a child who has been referred and act in their best interests

Answer 21

The meetings do not happen in court, rather a more supportive environment like a school or a community centre