Children’s Hearing System Reforms Delayed

The Scottish government’s proposals to reform the Children’s Hearing System by way of the creation of a new national body, The Scottish Children’s Hearing Tribunal, have been delayed amidst criticism that the new measures would do more harm than good.

Current children’s panel members, who are comprised of trained volunteers, have threatened resignation. The government has taken a back step, maintaining that changes to the system will not be rushed. The Children’s Hearing System as it stands represents an informal alternative to the courts when it comes to dealing with the offending behavior of vulnerable young people. Often concerned with child protection and child welfare cases, it handles issues such as abuse and lack of parental care. Ministers maintain that proposed changes are intended to strengthen the system, and their draft Children’s Hearing Bill will now be put before Parliament early next year.