Introduction of new materials for children and young people

A new package of information materials for children and young people attending Hearings has been launched today, Tuesday 6th September.

The new suite of materials has been developed by SCRA’s Individual Participation in Hearings Group, along with SCRA’s Modern Apprentices.

The aim has been to introduce creative ways of engaging children and young people in their Hearings.

The new suite of materials includes:

• Cartoon leaflet for children – this leaflet will be sent to children aged 11 and under going to a Hearing for the first time.

• Leaflet for young people – this leaflet will be sent to young people aged 12 and over going to a Hearing for the first time. (Copies of both these new leaflets will also be available in reception areas and waiting rooms.)

• Your Rights card – this is an A5 flyer which will be made available in Hearing rooms, on the Hearing tables, for children and young people to take away at the end of their Hearing. This provides information about children’s rights, how to appeal, where to get more information etc.

• Flash Card – two age appropriate A5 coloured cards (one for children 11 and under, and one for young people 12 and over) will be introduced in Hearings. The aim of the card is for children and young people to be able to raise it in their Hearing if they have a question, if there is something they don’t understand, or if they would like to stop and take a break. The thinking behind the card is to give children and young people an additional way of having their voice heard, for example, if they are too shy, or if they feel they are unable to interrupt or if they feel they are not being given the chance to get their views across.

• Cartoon booklet  - this is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 years and tells the story of a brother and sister going to a Hearing for the first time. Copies of the booklet will be available in waiting rooms. Copies will also be given to social workers.

• Information DVD – this has been made by young people at Young Scot, in conjunction with SCRA and the Modern Apprentices. The DVD is approx 10 minutes long and will also be available on SCRA’s website, on Young Scot’s website, and on other sites such as You Tube. A small number of copies are available to request and can be posted to young people. To request a copy please email communications@scra.gsi.gov.uk.

To view all this information, please visit the children and young people sections of our website.