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Getting it Right for Every Child
Consultation Pack on the Review of the Children's Hearings System

This document is also available in pdf format (1346k)

Contents of this pack

The pack is also available in a variety of languages, Braille and large type. The pack can also be found on the Scottish Executive website www.scotland.gov.uk It is also available on the Children's Hearings website www.childrens-hearings.co.uk where it may be completed online.

Ministerial Foreword

The Hearings System What is the Children's Hearings system? Who are the key players? Which children go to Children's Hearings? Case studies.

Issues and Questions What we need to ask you and why. Do you support the principles of the system and our objectives?

Your response (on line) (pdf version (336k)) Your views on the questions and issues and information about yourself.

Background material Facts, more detailed background on the Hearings system and its process.

What you might think about when using this pack

• Do we have the right balance between the needs of the individual child and the needs of others such as families or communities?
• What role should the Children's Hearings system play in Scotland and what aims should we have for our children?
• Do you have an understanding of what it should mean to act in the interests of the child and the child's welfare? What if the child were your child?
• Which children should benefit from the Children's Hearings system?
• Is it right that we take time in Scotland to look at the needs of the child as our central focus and take action to address those needs?
• How might the Children's Hearings system and the wider community better engage with each other?
• How might other young people play a part in or support the Hearings system?

Your views will help us confirm the correct principles for the system and whether others might be added. We then aim later in the year to look at how we should adjust the design of the structures and processes of the Children's Hearings system to deliver our common aims.

But our first priority is to hear from you about what it means to care for our children in 21st century Scotland.

The Scottish Executive wishes to thank the young people currently or formerly resident in the secure accommodation unit at St Mary's School, Kenmure for their kind permission to reproduce their artwork in this consultation pack

If you or someone you know is affected by anything in the pack, you may wish to speak to:

Childline - phone 0800 1111 or see their website at www.childline.org.uk

Parentline Scotland - phone 0808 800 2222 or see their website at www.parentlinescotland.org

The Samaritans - phone 08457 909090 or see their website at www.samaritans.org

Department of Social Work in your local authority area - look in your phone book

Children's Reporter - phone 01786 459500 for contact details in your area, or look in your phone book

If you are interested in becoming a Children's Panel member, or want to find out more about volunteering for your local children's panel, please contact your local council and ask for the clerk to the Children's Panel Advisory Committee. You can also find out more from the Children's Hearings website: www.childrens-hearings.co.uk

The next national recruitment exercise will take place in autumn 2004 and campaign materials containing application details will be displayed in August/September.

If you require further copies of this pack, please telephone 0131 244 7389 and leave your name, address and the number of copies you require.

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