This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Children’s Hearings review
04/10/2004
Parental responsibility is likely to be a key feature of
the next stage of the Children's Hearings review.
An analysis of responses to the first phase of the
review shows that the role of parents and families in the
Hearings system is an issue which many feel needs to be
explored further.
Key questions thrown up by the review include:
• Whether Hearings should be given more influence over
parents
• Whether greater influence can be exerted through
parenting orders (being introduced under the new Antisocial
Behaviour Act)
• Whether more resources are needed for family support
and family mediation projects.
Deputy Minister for Education and Young People Euan
Robson unveiled the findings of phase one of the review at
a Children 1st conference in Glasgow today.
Mr Robson said:
"Parents and families have a crucial role to play in the
lives of children, helping to shape their future in a
variety of ways. It is therefore vital that we help them
when they are struggling with the challenges that go hand
in hand with bringing up children.
"Over 1,500 people took part in the first phase of the
Hearings review and parenting emerged as a clear issue for
further action. We are now considering how best to take
this forward as we develop firm proposals for phase
two.
"Another issue emerging from phase one is the link
between Hearings and local communities. People want to see
this link strengthened and in particular want to see more
information made available on the action taken by
Hearings."
The Children's Hearings system was established 33 years
ago and deals with both offending behaviour and care and
protection issues. Its workload has changed significantly
over the years: 60 per cent of referrals are now based on
care and protection, compared to 16 per cent in 1976.
Around 38,000 children were referred to the system last
year.
The
Hearings review was
launched on April 22. The purpose of the review is to
ensure the system provides the best possible support for
vulnerable youngsters in the 21st century.
Phase one of the review finished on July 21. Over 700
people responded in writing or by email. Over 800 people
took part in events around Scotland organised by the
Executive. An analysis of responses to phase one is
published on Monday and will be available at
www.childrens-hearings.co.uk.
The analysis shows clear support for maintaining a
single system that cares for vulnerable children and young
people and tackles offending behaviour. Two clear issues
which have emerged are the role of parents and families,
and links with local communities.
Phase two of the review is due to start in the next few
months. Whereas phase one sought broad views on the
system, phase two will focus on what detailed changes are
needed to bring about a system capable of dealing with the
demands placed on it in the 21st century.