The Scottish Government is clear that Scotland's unique Children's Hearings system remains the best way of providing support and assistance to our most vulnerable children and their families: it plays a key role in improving outcomes for them and promoting and supporting their rights.
The philosophy of the Children's Hearings system was established in the Kilbrandon Report of 1964. Children and young people who offend and those who require care and protection are equally deserving to be considered as children in need. The welfare of the child is paramount.
The reforms, building on the vision and philosophy of Kilbrandon and underpinned by the Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill, will strengthen and modernise the system; ensuring that it evolves to adapt to the changes faced by families and society since the time of the Kilbrandon Report, that children's rights are at its heart and that it is fit for purpose now and in the future. Support for professionals and volunteers within the system will also be improved.