Pilot launched – pre-grounds hearing meetings

As part of our ongoing work to improve the service we provide to children and families, we have launched a new pilot initiative in Ayrshire and Grampian.

The pilot involves the children’s reporter offering voluntary pre-grounds hearing meetings to children and/or relevant persons ahead of grounds hearings.

The meetings are entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation to attend. They are intended to support understanding and participation by providing an introductory meeting with the children’s reporter.

What the meeting will involve?
The meeting will build on existing national practice, which already includes:

• Familiarisation with the hearings centre, the reporter, and other appropriate SCRA staff (such as reception)
• Discussion of the child’s views on how they would like to participate in the hearing

In addition, the pilot strengthens the information and support provided by including:

• An explanation of what a statement of grounds is and how it relates to other documents and information considered at a hearing
• An overview of what will happen at the grounds hearing
• An explanation of the reporter’s role

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for the child and/or relevant person(s) to ask questions.

Evaluation
The trial will run for six months and will be evaluated afterwards.