U2- The Childrens Hearings System Flashcards
What is the children’s hearing system?
The care and justice system for Scotlands children and young people
What is a fundamental principal of the children’s hearings system?
That children who commit offences, and children who need care and protection are dealt with in the same system, as these are often the same children
What do Children’s Reporters do?
They are based in local communities
Children and young people are referred to the reporter from a number of sources e.g. Police or education, because some aspect of their life is given cause for concern
The reporter investigates each referral and determines whether compulsory measures of intervention are required; if they are a Children’s Hearing will be held
Who does the hearing consist of?
3 panel members who are trained volunteers from the local community
What happens at a hearing?
The Hearing listens to the child’s circumstances and then decides what measures are required
The child may need a particular type of treatment or intervention, or they may be placed with foster careers or in a residential unit or secure accommodation
The hearing may also decide that the child should remain at home with support from other agencies, such a social work
What does the Children’s Hearings System aim to do?
To ensure that the best interests of the child are met and that they receive the most appropriate intervention and support
What is the SCRA?
The Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration is one of the agencies that has a responsibility for how the Children’s Hearings System operates
They focus on children and young people at risk
What is SCRA’s role and purpose?
Make effective decisions about a need to refer a child to a Children’s Hearing
Enable children and families to participate in Hearings
Provide suitable accommodation and facilities for Hearings
Name the agency established by the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) act 2011
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS)
What did the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 create?
The role of National Covener, to act as a voice for Scotlands 2500 volunteer panel members and to ensure they are consistently supported to a high standard
The act created CHS as a dedicated national body to support the National Covener in the delivery of functions related to
The recruitment, selection, appointment, training, retention and support of panel members
How many children in Scotland were referred to the Reporter in 2013-14?
A total of 19,077, which is 2.1% of all children in Scotland
What are the 2 broad categories for referral?
Care and protection- where the welfare of the child is causing concern (this is the most common)
Offence- where the child is believed to have committed an offence
What is a CPO?
Child protection order
This requires the child to be removed to a place of safety away from home.
For this measure to be considered a child must be at risk of significant harm
Most CPOs are granted for young children, reflecting their greater vulnerability and requirement for immediate protection
