SCRA and Police Scotland – joint project gets underway

This month a new collaboration has got underway between Police Scotland and SCRA.

The project focuses on a shared ambition to ensure that the right children and young people are referred to the Children’s Reporter, and at the right time in their own unique journey. 

The pilot, which will run for six months, involves a Children’s Reporter working with the Police Division Hubs of L, Q and U Division. 

The aim is to establish a Children’s Hearing champion model – training, enabling and supporting around 20 Champions made up of Police Scotland staff in each of the three Divisions.

The champions will become subject matter experts in the operation of the Children’s Hearings System.

Each Children’s Reporter based in the Hub with work collaboratively with Police Scotland colleagues around referral to SCRA processes.

Katy Lang, project lead said: “We are really excited to get this project underway. 

“The police are the main source of referrals to SCRA, comprising 76.1% of all referrals to the Reporter in 2024/25 – this includes 99.9% of all offence referrals and 61.2% of all non-offence referrals. 

“This partnership is about making sure children and young people get the right support at the right time. By working closely together in this project, SCRA and Police Scotland can share expertise, build understanding, and strengthen the Children’s Hearings System for those who need it most.”