Children's Hearing facts for kids

A Children's Hearing is a special meeting in Scotland for young people. It's part of the country's system to help children. This system understands that children who have made mistakes or need support should get the same kind of care. Most young people who need help will go to a Children's Hearing. Only in very serious situations might a child go to a regular court.

What is a Children's Hearing?

A Children's Hearing is a meeting where three adults, called panel members, listen to a young person's situation. These panel members are trained to understand and help young people and their families. The meeting usually happens around a table, making it feel less formal than a courtroom. The child's parent or guardian and their social worker will also be there.

Why do Children have Hearings?

Young people might go to a Children's Hearing for different reasons. Sometimes, it's because they have done something wrong. Other times, it's because they are not getting the care they need at home. It could also be because they are having trouble going to school regularly.

A special person called a children's reporter often decides if a child needs a hearing. These reporters gather information about the child. They get details from teachers, social workers, or the police. Then, they decide if the child should go to a hearing. A children's reporter might learn about a child who needs extra support from a referral. A referral is when someone, like a neighbor, teacher, or police officer, tells them about a child they think needs official help.

Who is at a Hearing?

The main people at a Children's Hearing are:

• Panel Members: There are three adults on the panel. At least one man and one woman must be present. They are specially trained to work with children and families.
• The Child: The young person whose situation is being discussed.
• Parents or Guardians: The child's parents or other adults who care for them.
• Social Worker: A social worker who knows the child and their family.

What do Panel Members Do?

Panel members are very important. They make big decisions that can help a child's life. They are trained to understand the challenges children and families face. They listen carefully to everyone.

What Happens at a Hearing?

During the meeting, panel members are given reports and information about the child. Everyone discusses the child's situation fully. Unlike a regular court, the child can speak at any time during the meeting. This helps the panel understand things from the child's point of view.

What Decisions can be Made?

At the end of the hearing, the panel makes a decision. Their goal is always to help the child. They cannot make the child or their parents pay money. They also cannot punish the child.

Some decisions the panel can make include:

• Keeping the child with their parents but under the care of a social worker.
• Arranging for the child to live with a different family in foster care.
• Sending the child to a children's home or a special residential school.
• In very rare cases, sending a child to secure accommodation, which is a safe place with extra support.
• Sometimes, they might decide to use an electronic tag to help monitor a young person.