Covering Letter
Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate
Workforce and Capacity Issues Division
T: 0131-244 3545
E: chbillteam@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Our ref: CRES 1041
31 July 2008
Dear Consultee
Strengthening for the Future: A consultation on the reform of the Children's Hearings System
This letter invites you to have your say in how we, the Scottish Government, propose to modernise and strengthen the Children's Hearings System including the establishment of a new national body to support and administer the system.
The Scottish Government is clear that the Children's Hearings system remains the best way of providing support and assistance to Scotland's vulnerable children and to their families, but we believe that the time is now right to reform the system.
We enclose a Consultation Paper seeking views on our proposals which require legislative changes to secure structural reforms. The proposals also require changes in practice which can be taken forward without the need to legislate.
The consultation period will last for 12 weeks. Subject to the outcome of the consultation, we will introduce a Bill to establish a new national body that brings together the functions currently carried out by the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration, 32 Children's Panels and associated bodies, the Scottish Government and local authorities. This will ensure that children's rights are properly upheld within the Children's Hearings system.
If you have any queries please contact myself or Gaynor Davenport on 0131-244-1583 or Eleanor Manson on 0131-244-5092.
I hope that you will take the time to participate in the consultation and would like to thank you in advance for your contribution.
DENISE SWANSON
HEAD OF CHILDREN'S HEARINGS BRANCH