The Scottish Government has agreed to extend the timetable for planned reforms to Scotland’s children’s hearings system following advice from experts within the sector.

 

Minister for Children and Young People Aileen Campbell has informed Parliament that Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS), the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) and others across the sector requested more time to successfully deliver planned improvements to the hearings system.

The reforms – as set out in the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 – are designed to strengthen and modernise Scotland’s unique hearings system and will now take effect in the second quarter of 2013. The current system will remain in place until then, ensuring children continue to receive the support they need.