Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Act receives Royal Assent
SCRA has welcomed the news that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Act 2026 has received Royal Assent.
Passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year, it implements key recommendations from the Independent Care Review.
Alistair Hogg, SCRA’s Head of Practice and Policy said: “We are delighted to hear that the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Act has received Royal Assent.
“This landmark legislation enhances protections and support for children and young people across Scotland. It is a significant step towards Keeping The Promise to children and young people, whilst reinforcing the principles of the Children’s Hearings System.”
The changes that relate to the Children’s Hearings System include:
- Remuneration for Panel Chairs
- More continuity of the chair of the Children’s Hearing
- New grounds process
- A statutory meeting with the Reporter
- More flexibility in relation to the duration of interim orders
- A timescale for sheriff court proceedings in relation to the statement of grounds, intended to reduce delay in court proceedings.
Alistair added: “The Act brings positive reform in a number of areas, including strengthening the Children’s Hearings System and enhancing the role of the Children’s Reporter. A more detailed briefing for staff and for our partners will be circulated shortly.
“We look forward to working with our partners in the Children’s Hearings System to implement these positive developments.”