As Minister for Children and Young People, with responsibilities for the Children’s Hearings System, I would like to welcome you to the Children’s Hearings website. The Scottish Government aims to ensure that every child has the best possible start in the life.

Scotland’s Children’s Hearings System is renowned, both at home and internationally, for its unique approach to supporting children and young people who commit offences and those with welfare and protection needs. This website provides information about the origins and the current operation of the Hearings System and guidance for people who may be required to attend or support a Hearing. The website also provides a useful overview for employers about the benefits for organisations that support their employees who are panel members.

Since its establishment in 1971, following the publication of the Kilbrandon Report, the welfare of the child has been central to the operation of the Children’s Hearings System. Under the leadership of Adam Ingram MSP, the previous Minister for Children and Early Years, the Scottish Government worked along with our partners to ensure that the Hearings System is not only fit for current purpose, but can respond to future demands. The Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011, therefore, aims to strengthen and modernise the System and bring into one place key elements of the children’s hearings legislation. Although the Act is now in place, there is still much to do to ensure that the modernised Hearings System is fully operational by the end of 2012.

Both now, and in the future, the success of Scotland’s Hearings System will continue to rely on the skills and commitment of the panel members who volunteer their time to make a real difference in the lives of our most vulnerable children. If you would like to volunteer as a panel member or member of the Children’s Panel Advisory Committee (CPAC), this website contains information about what is involved and how to apply. All volunteers receive high quality induction and ongoing training.

Thank you for visiting our site. I hope that you will find it both interesting and informative. We would appreciate any comments or suggestions on the content of this website and would be grateful if you could forward these to our Children’s Hearings mailbox: childrens.hearings@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

Angela Constance MSP
Minister for Children and Young People