Data Protection Act 1998
SCRA is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA). The gathering, storage, use, release and disposal of personal information is regulated by the DPA.
This webpage gives an overview of what information SCRA collects and how it processes it in line with our practices and legal responsibilities. ‘Process’ means collecting, using, disclosing, retaining or disposing of information.
SCRA has policies and guidance on data protection and records management. These can be accessed here.
What information does SCRA hold on individuals?
SCRA processes and holds information about children who are referred to the Children’s Reporter in line with our legal responsibilities. This information comprises of reports from agencies such as social work, schools, police, etc; records of Reporters’ decision making; and papers provided for Children’s Hearings. This information will usually cover the child referred, their parents, and other individuals associated with their case.
If a child has been referred to the Reporter for committing an offence and there is a named victim of the offence, SCRA retains information on the victim in order to be able to provide them information about the case under our Victim Information Service.
You have a right to know what information we hold on you and SCRA will write to inform you if a referral is received about your child if you are a relevant person in respect of that child and we will always inform a child or young person if they are referred to the Reporter.
You are entitled to request a copy of the information we hold on you – this must be done in writing and the section on Subject Access Requests will tell you more about how to do this.
If a child has been referred to the Reporter for committing an offence and there is a named victim of the offence, SCRA retains information on the victim in order to be able to provide them information about the case under our Victim Information Service.
You have a right to know what information we hold on you and SCRA will write to inform you if a referral is received about your child if you are a relevant person in respect of that child and we will always inform a child or young person if they are referred to the Reporter.
You are entitled to request a copy of the information we hold on you – this must be done in writing and the section on Subject Access Requests will tell you more about how to do this.
What we do with your information
SCRA uses information on children referred to assist Reporters and Children’s Hearings in making decisions on what measures are needed to protect the child or address their behaviour. We may also share information with other agencies working with a child. SCRA also uses information to gather evidence to improve our services and for training of our staff.
Data Sharing Guidance
SCRA may disclose information it holds to other child protection and justice agencies as and when required, however this will be done only in line with our statutory responsibilities, if required by law and if there is a reasonable and justifiable purpose for sharing the information such as to protect and defend the rights of an individual.
The Data we hold is protected from public access and can only be viewed by authorised personnel. All employees and contractors are prohibited from using personal information for any purpose out with SCRA’s remit and legal responsibilities.
The Data we hold is protected from public access and can only be viewed by authorised personnel. All employees and contractors are prohibited from using personal information for any purpose out with SCRA’s remit and legal responsibilities.
