Looking Ahead by Neil Hunter, Principal Reporter/ Chief Executive

At the end of 2025/26 I have a real sense of progress and forward momentum in SCRA on a number of really important fronts. We are in a well prepared state of readiness for the implementation of part 1 of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 which increases the age of referral to the Children’s Reporter. These provisions are scheduled to take effect in due course in 2027. The extension of the Children’s Hearings System to include referrals for 16 and 17 year olds, represents a significant milestone in Scotland’s commitment to treating children as children and ensuring they receive support, care and protection in response to their needs.

SCRA has been recruiting extensively to meet these new demands in relation to increased volume of referrals for older children. It has been great to see new staff come into the organisation, undergo induction, training and getting the benefit of the wisdom, knowledge and experience of our existing teams across the organisation. It’s an exciting time for the Hearings System, for children’s rights in our country and for the further development of meaningful, resonant and sustainable help, support and effective interventions for children and young people.

We also look forward to extending our ability to communicate with those who may have been harmed by a child’s behaviour and working alongside national and local victims’ organisations in taking this work forward, balanced against our key duties to preserve privacy and confidentiality. I remain concerned about the need for continued investment and capacity building in Children and Families Social Work services across Scotland. This new legislation needs confident, well trained and well equipped Social Workers to provide the support and interventions that can help children and young people address some of the underlying issues that can impact in their lives and at times affect others.

We don’t know as much as we would wish about how the needs of older children who may be referred to the Reporter on the basis of concerns about care and protection. But it is clear that Scotland has seen a significant rise in worries about children who are being criminally and/ or sexually exploited by others, sometimes involving organised criminals. There is a clear sense of intersection across these forms of abuse, harm and risk which the Hearings System has of course considerable experience in responding to and managing – but there is no question that this next phase of our expanded duties will pose new challenges. The Children’s Hearings System must continue to evolve in response to these changing patterns of harm.

In 2026/27 I am committed to building on the progress we have been making in recent years – a rights respecting, rights upholding organisation with a deep respect and concern for children’s safety and wellbeing in our country. Paying more and more attention to the individual needs and issues affecting each and every child who is referred to us for support, care and protection.

We have seen inspiring work conducted by SCRA staff in the last 12 months – whether it be in relation to child friendly scheduling, our work to become a trauma skilled organisation or our commitment to dramatically transform Hearing environments. The work our staff do every day involves making difficult and finely balanced decisions, preparing and leading complex evidence in order to ensure children can be protected or that their Hearing is genuinely focussed on their individual needs and preferences, views and opinions.

SCRA of course does not do this alone. The Children’s Hearings System is by definition based around – and can only function – with deep respectful partnerships with shared purpose and mutual respect.

Dedicated Children’s Panel Members, committed Social Workers, Solicitors, Safeguarders and others.

We recommit ourselves this coming year to continue this approach to working in partnership with others to deliver the best experience and outcomes possible. Special mention to our work with Our Hearings, Our Voice who continue to inspire us with all that they do.

Over and above everything though is my commitment to our dedicated, skilled and professional SCRA staff – 2026/27 will be another tough year of learning, development, change and delivery – but I have huge respect for and confidence in the work that we do together to contribute to a better experience and outcomes for children and young people and look forward to next year working alongside you all. Hearings System, for children’s rights in our country and for the further development of meaningful, resonant and sustainable help, support and effective interventions for children and young people.