What is the Children's Hearings system?

The Children's Hearings System has been in operation in Scotland since 1971. It is involved with children whose situations may require intervention, either because they have offended, or because they have been offended against. It has taken the majority of children out of the court system.

What is the Children's Panel?

The Children's Panel is a group of specially-selected volunteers who make decisions about children who have been referred to children's hearings. In East Renfrewshire, there are currently twenty-three panel members, headed by a Panel Chair. Panel members normally serve in the area in which they either live or work.

It is vital that men as well as women take an active part in helping children in trouble or at risk. At present about one half of the total panel membership is male. A total of three panel members is at each Children’s Hearing. There must be at least one male panel member and one female panel member at every Hearing.

To meet the statutory requirement for balanced panels, we would encourage both men and women to pursue an interest in this very important voluntary work by applying to become panel members.

What happens at a Hearing and who is present?

The purpose of a hearing is to decide what needs to be done in the best interests of the child. There is a total of three panel members at each hearing with representatives of each gender. The child, his/her parents, the social worker and the Reporter are also present and other people may have to attend also. Several days before the hearing, each panel member will receive reports on the children they will see. These reports have to be carefully studied. In order to make a helpful decision, the hearing has to use the reports to find out more about the child and his/her family and discuss with all those present, how the child can be helped. Panel members then make a decision as to what should happen to the child. Open, informal discussion is encouraged at the hearing, with issues discussed confidentially.

The hearing may decide that compulsory measures are not required, that supervision is required at home or away from home or that specialist reports are needed. Whatever they decide, panel members must give their reasons. Thereafter, supervision is the responsibility of the Social Work Department.

Who decides that a child comes to a Hearing?

The Children's Panel has the backing of a full-time professional service provided by Reporters from the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. The Reporter, an essential official of the Children’s Hearings System, decides whether a child should come to a hearing. Anyone who feels that a child needs help can refer that child to the Reporter. Most of the referrals come from the police or the social work department, but referrals can come from other sources, including schools and members of the public. The Reporter, having considered reports on the child, then decides whether a hearing is required.

Where do Hearings take place?

The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration is responsible for providing premises for hearings within a convenient travelling distance of panel members. At present, hearings take place at the East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Giffnock, and at the Reporter’s office in Glen Lane, Paisley.

What kinds of children come to Hearings?

All ages of children from new-born babies to 16 year olds, and in some cases 17 and 18 year olds, come to hearings. They come because, for example, they have offended, because they have been neglected or abused, because they are out of the control of their parents or because they have been absent from school without a reasonable excuse.

Do children ever go to Court?

Children may go to court in special situations. Even if they do go to court, this is in private and in most cases they are referred back to the hearing for disposal of their case.

Do children come back to Hearings?

Yes, if they have been placed on supervision they must come back within a year to have their case reviewed. Earlier reviews may also be necessary for various reasons.

What if the child and his or her parents do not agree with the Hearing decision?

The child and his/her parents have the right of appeal to the Sheriff.

Further information

You can also access information on the Children’s Hearings System website, which is part of the Scottish Executive.

Website: www.childrens-hearings.co.uk

Website: www.scotland.gov.uk