This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Review of children's hearings system
22/04/2004
A review of Scotland's children's
hearings system was launched today to ensure it provides
the best possible support for vulnerable youngsters in the
21
st century.
The system, in place since 1971, dealt
with around 38,000 children last year who needed care and
protection, were involved in offending, or both.
The review aims to encourage wide
discussion on issues and challenges facing the system, its
principles and its key objectives.
It will allow the public an
opportunity to influence the future development of the
system and the results it produces for children involved in
it.
The consultation also aims to raise
awareness of the work of the system. The balance of cases
the system deals with has changed significantly over the
years, with 60 per cent of referrals now based on care and
protection compared to 16 per cent in 1976.
Education and Young People Minister
Peter Peacock said:
"We are committed to maintaining the
core principles of the hearings system. However, that
system is now more than 30 years old, its workload has
changed greatly during that time, and its operations have
never been systematically reviewed.
"The system and the dedicated
volunteers involved in it, has challenged young people's
behaviour and supported many young people in the past. We
want to build on this success by ensuring we have a modern
hearings system that addresses the needs of all young
people, whether they are in need of care and protection or
involved in offending.
"Scotland has a unique system which
puts the child firmly at its centre and involves local
people in deciding what is the right thing to do to help
young people. Anyone who shares an interest in the
wellbeing of our children, families and communities has a
contribution to make to the review and I would encourage
them to make their views heard."
There has been a change in the profile
of cases going through the system and the groups involved
have changed too. For example, social workers have always
had a key role but, increasingly, other local authority
services and the voluntary sector are involved too.
Eputy Education and Young People
Minister Euan Robson added:
"The review will help develop and
improve the system. It should ensure that the hearings
system uses its resources as efficiently as possible and
remains focussed, relevant, supportive and effective."
Both Mr Peacock and Mr Robson will
participate in a number of public meetings around the
country over the coming months to hear views on what
changes are needed to the current system. Meetings will
also be held with local groups in other areas.
The results of this consultation, to
run until July 21, will be used to develop firm proposals
for the future shape of the system, which will be published
for consultation before the end of the year.