Crime: Children's Hearing System

Question 1

Structure of the CHS

Answer 1

Referral, investigation, hearing, outcome

Question 2

CHS referral example

Answer 2

Around 75% of referrals come from the police

Question 3

CHS investigation example

Answer 3

In Edinburgh between 2022-23, the CHS had to investigate the 2145 referrals made

Question 4

CHS hearing example

Answer 4

In Edinburgh between 2022-23, 795 CHS hearings were held

Question 5

CHS outcome example

Answer 5

In Edinburgh between 2022-23, the CHS issues 135 Compulsory Supervision Orders

Question 6

Roles of the CHS

Answer 6

Investigate referrals, organise panels, support children and act in their best interests

Question 7

Investigate referrals example

Answer 7

In Edinburgh between 2022 and 2023, the CHS had to investigate the 2145 referrals made

Question 8

Organise panels example

Answer 8

At a CHS panel there are always 3 panel members who are volunteers, but there will almost always be other people there such as the child, a teacher, a social worker, a safe-guarder, and the family

Question 9

CHS act in a child’s best interest example

Answer 9

CHS panels almost always take place in a school/community centre rather than a court because they are more supportive environments

Question 10

Powers of the CHS

Answer 10

Have a child supervised in their home (Compulsory Supervision Order), remove a child from their home (Child Protection Order), refer a child to outside agencies

Question 11

Compulsory supervision order example

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Child protection order example

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Refer a child to outside agencies example

Answer 13

‘Edinburgh EH1’ is an agency that provides intensive support to young people who offend and have substance misuse issues