Draft Children's Hearings (Scotland Bill)

Draft Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill

The Draft Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill was published on June 26, 2009. You can read the
Draft Bill, Policy Overview and FAQ on this website.

The Draft Bill contains the Scottish Government's proposals to reinforce and modernise the Children's Hearings System.

Explanatory Notes to accompany Part I of the Draft Bill can also be read on the website. The rest of the Explanatory Notes will be published soon.
Key proposals contained in the Draft Bill

The creation of a new national body, the Scottish Children's Hearings Tribunal, to drive up standards across Scotland.

Changes in functions and practice to improve support for both professionals and panel members, leading in turn to improving better outcomes for children and young people.
Legal and procedural changes to increase fficiency and ensure that children's rights continue to be properly upheld.

Under these proposals, the Scottish Children's Hearings Tribunal will be responsible for all functions associated with the Children's Panel, including recruitment, selection and training of panel members.

The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration will deliver the Children's Reporters service.
People will continue to be recruited, selected, trained and sit on hearings on a local basis.
Considering the proposals

The Draft Bill gives stakeholders the opportunity to consider the proposals.
We welcome your comments on the Draft Bill, at events this summer or by email to the Bill Team.

Hard copies of the Draft Bill pack have been sent to every panel member, panel chair, CPAC, Children's Hearings Training Unit and other key stakeholders. Please contact the Bill Team if you need hard copies.

The Bill is scheduled for introduction to the Scottish Parliament in the autumn.
Minister's Tour:
Inverness
Glasgow
Shetland
Edinburgh
Aberdeen
Dumfries & Galloway
Minister's Tour