SCRA welcomes the passing of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill

SCRA is pleased to see the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) Bill has unanimously passed the Scottish Parliament and now awaits Royal Assent.

We are also pleased to see many of the provisions reflecting our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation. We believe these changes will enhance children and families experiences of the Hearings System.

The Bill brings many  improvements to the care system in general, and some key changes in the Children’s Hearings System.  These include remunerated chairs, a new grounds process, a post referral meeting, more flexibility in relation to interim orders, and much more.  The role of the Children’s Reporter has been recognised and enhanced by the measures in the Bill.

During the Bill’s passage through Parliament, some further changes and additions were made, which include:

• A timescale for sheriff court proceedings in relation to the statement of grounds, intended to reduce delay in court proceedings.
• More continuity of the chair of the Children’s Hearing – something that children have been requesting for some time.

Neil Hunter, SCRA’s Principal Reporter/Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to welcome the unanimous passing of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

“It is a significant step towards Keeping The Promise to children and young people, whilst reinforcing the principles of the Children’s Hearings System and it has also recognised the significant role played by the Children’s Reporter.”

We were delighted to see that Our Hearings, Our Voice were recognised for their contributions and many of the young board members managed to make it along to the Scottish Parliament to celebrate the successful conclusion of all their inputs to the process. You can read what the young people had to say about their visit on the Our Hearings, Our Voice website.