Minister opens new Children's Hearings Centre in Hamilton

Adam Ingram, MSP, the Minister for Children and Early Years, today (Tuesday 22 January 2008) will officially open the new Children’s Hearings Centre and Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration’s (SCRA) offices in Hamilton.

The Minister will tour the Children’s Hearings Centre and offices in Hamilton House in Caird Park, to see how the new premises create more comfortable and efficient facilities for children and families, SCRA staff and Children’s Panel Members.

The new Children’s Hearings Centre and offices opened its doors in Hamilton House in 2007. Today’s visit will mark the official opening of the premises which brings together more than 50 staff from SCRA offices across North and South Lanarkshire, and SCRA regional headquarters for Central West Scotland.

Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram said:

“Hamilton House is a great example of how long-term commitment to partnership can benefit all within the system – staff, partner agencies, our volunteers and most importantly the children and families who are at the centre of Scotland’s unique Children’s Hearings System.

“Within the last few days I announced that this government will be establishing a national body to ensure a stronger, more consistent service and better delivery right across the country. But that does not mean that the local links, local delivery or indeed the role of the local volunteer will be affected – they are the backbone of the system and I cannot overemphasise their value.

“That’s why this purpose-built facility, which will provide a local service for use by local people and vulnerable local children and families, is so important.”

Douglas Bulloch, Chair of SCRA, welcomed Mr Ingram to the new Children’s Hearings Centre and offices, he said:

“I am delighted to welcome Mr Ingram here today to open this new purpose built facility for the Children’s Hearings System in Lanarkshire. Hamilton House provides excellent facilities for children and families attending Hearings, as well as providing comfortable accommodation for staff and Children’s Panel Members.

“One of SCRA’s core functions is to provide suitable accommodation to enable children and families to participate in Children’s Hearings. The opening of our new premises in Hamilton is part of SCRA’s wider property programme which aims to continually enhance Children’s Hearings’ accommodation across Scotland. It also reflects SCRA’s commitment to working with our partners in the Children’s Hearings System to ensure vulnerable children get the help they need when they need it.”

A PDF of the press release (including background information) is available below.