Update – face coverings in Children’s Hearings

In light of the ongoing restrictions, face to face Children’s Hearings are continuing as they are classed as an essential service. However, face to face Hearings are only taking place for a limited number of cases where it is necessary to secure a child and/or relevant person’s participation.

As a result of the increasing focus on the new variant of COVID-19 across Scotland, we are implementing a more rigorous adherence to the Scottish Government’s FACTS to support staff and visitors use of our Hearings centres.

From Monday 18 January, face coverings must now be worn in the Hearing room and for the duration of the Hearing (unless you are exempt). This means face coverings must be worn from arrival to leaving the Hearing centre.

In addition, all Hearings will be reviewed to confirm whether they should take place face to face or virtually. Our Reporters will make these assessments in consultation with Social Work and Area Support Teams.

If there is any change to your Hearing, we will be in touch to let you know.

If you do have to attend a face to face Hearing, as well as wearing a face covering, please continue to follow physical distancing measures and sanitise your hands on entering and leaving the Hearings Suite.

Neil Hunter, SCRA’s Principal Reporter/Chief Executive Officer said: “We continue to work with all our partners in the Children’s Hearings System and we are extremely grateful for all their support during these ongoing challenging times. Our Hearing centres continue to be as safe as they can be and we are continuing to take proactive steps to ensure this.

“Our multi-agency recovery plan will be reviewed later this week to ensure it still meets current demands and we are being responsive to the needs of children, young people, their families and all Hearing centre users.”