This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Worldwide interest in children's hearings system
13/09/2004
Justice and child welfare officials from countries
including Japan, America and Russia are in Edinburgh to
study the children's hearings system.
Over the next two days they will learn about the
distinctive way in which Scotland's system deals with
welfare issues as well as tackling offending behaviour.
Deputy Minister for Education and Young People Euan
Robson said:
"We often claim that our hearings system is
world-renowned and the fact that we have visitors from so
many countries here today shows how true that is.
"These people have come from across the globe to find
out how the hearings system helps our most vulnerable and
troubled young people. I hope they can put our experiences
to good use when they return home.
"Equally there may be things we can learn from them,
especially at such a crucial stage of our hearings
review."
Alan Miller, Principal Reporter at the Scottish
Children's Reporter's Administration (SCRA), said:
"This is the first time we have held an international
seminar of this type and it's a real opportunity to share
our knowledge and learn from others who can provide a truly
global perspective.
"We are also delighted to be working in partnership with
the Scottish Executive and for the first time the British
Council. This reflects the breadth of commitment that
exists to develop and improve the unique system of
delivering child welfare and justice we have in
Scotland.
"This event gives us the chance to build on the
extensive experience which already exists and to share our
knowledge of dealing with children with professionals from
across the world."
Michael Bird, Director of British Council Scotland,
said:
"This seminar presents an important opportunity for us
to see the strengths and weaknesses of our hearings system
through the eyes and experience of international experts.
It has been carefully planned to provide a space in which
all delegates can listen to and learn from each other in a
mutual way."
The two-day seminar organised by the Executive, SCRA and
the British Council Scotland is taking place in Edinburgh
and includes visitors from Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile,
India, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, South
Africa, Sweden, the USA, Wales,
During the seminar, the visitors will learn about the
structure of the hearings system and the way it deals
jointly with welfare and offending issues. They will also
compare the Scottish approach to their own justice
systems.
The Executive is currently undertaking a review of the
children's hearings system which has not been reviewed
since being set up in the 1970s. The purpose is to ensure
the system is properly equipped for the 21st century.
Phase one of the review has just finished and phase two
is due to begin later this year.