Engagement with children and young people - update spring 2012

SCRA has launched a second suite of new information materials for children and young people.

The new batch of material was distributed earlier this spring and follows on from the first set of materials which was launched in September. The new suite of information materials includes: a Going to Court flyer, a Supervision Requirement leaflet, a Secure Accommodation flyer and a colouring in book.

In addition, SCRA offices have also received new leaflet racks for waiting rooms to ensure the new leaflets and booklets are on display. Each office was also given a small budget to purchase new toys and other materials for the waiting rooms, such as crayons and colouring in pencils.

A pilot is also going to get underway in four offices with TV screens in waiting rooms showing the Going to a Hearing DVD which was made last year for SCRA by Young Scot.

All the new developments are thanks to the work of SCRA’s Individual Participation in Hearings group. Since it was created in 2009, the group has been working hard to improve the communication materials available for children and young people going to a Hearing, as well as the facilities available when attending a Hearing.

The new suite of information materials includes:

Going to Court flyer: This is an A5 flyer which should be made available in Hearing waiting rooms. You may also wish to post a copy of this flyer to young people. This provides information about Children’s Hearings court proceedings and where to get more information.

Your Rights cube: This is a fun game aimed at young people waiting for their Hearing. It provides some basic information about their rights.

Colouring in book: The Chloe and Billy story book is now available as a colouring in book and should be available in waiting rooms for young children to colour in.

Cartoon poster: The story of Chloe and Billy attending a Hearing has also been turned into a poster. A3 laminated versions of the poster have been sent to offices.

The existing Supervision Requirement leaflet and Secure Accommodation leaflet have both been updated with new content and a fresh look.

In addition to the new information materials, improvements are being made to waiting rooms. Jennifer Orren, SCRA’s Participation Officer, secured funding at the end of last year to purchase additional toys and colouring in materials (to use with the new colouring in books). A significant amount of toys were also donated by staff to put in waiting rooms during a recent Toy Drive.

Following on from the Fit for Us report by our Modern Apprentices, SCRA has also secured some funding from the Scottish Government, which has enabled SCRA  to look at making other improvements to waiting rooms. Plans are underway to paint the walls of waiting rooms in bright colours, while a pilot will be launched shortly with TV screens in waiting rooms.