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1 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Section Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act asp 1 CONTENTS PART 1 THE NATIONAL CONVENER AND CHILDREN S HEARINGS SCOTLAND The National Convener and CHS 1 The National Convener 2 Children s Hearings Scotland 3 Further provision about National Convener and CHS 4 The Children s Panel The Children s Panel Children s hearings 5 Children s hearing 6 Selection of members of children s hearing 7 Holding of children s hearing 8 Provision of advice to children s hearing 9 Independence of children s hearing Power to change National Convener s functions 10 Power to change National Convener s functions Functions of CHS 11 Provision of assistance to National Convener 12 Independence of National Convener 13 Directions PART 2 THE PRINCIPAL REPORTER AND THE SCOTTISH CHILDREN S REPORTER ADMINISTRATION The Principal Reporter and SCRA 14 The Principal Reporter 15 The Scottish Children s Reporter Administration 16 Further provision about Principal Reporter and SCRA
2 ii Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) The Principal Reporter 17 Duty as respects location of children s hearing 18 Power to change Principal Reporter s functions 19 Rights of audience Functions of SCRA 20 Assisting Principal Reporter 21 Provision of accommodation for children s hearings 22 Independence of Principal Reporter 23 Directions Transfer of staff, property etc. 24 Transfer of staff, property etc. PART 3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 25 Welfare of the child 26 Decisions inconsistent with section Views of the child 28 Children s hearing: pre-condition for making certain orders and warrants 29 Sheriff: pre-condition for making certain orders and warrants 30 Children s hearing: duty to consider appointing safeguarder 31 Sheriff: duty to consider appointing safeguarder 32 The Safeguarders Panel 33 Functions of safeguarder 34 Safeguarders: regulations PART 4 SAFEGUARDERS PART 5 CHILD ASSESSMENT AND CHILD PROTECTION ORDERS 35 Child assessment orders 36 Consideration by sheriff 37 Child protection orders Child assessment orders Child protection orders Consideration of application by sheriff 38 Consideration by sheriff: application by local authority only 39 Consideration by sheriff: application by local authority or other person Ancillary measures 40 Information non-disclosure directions 41 Contact directions 42 Parental responsibilities and rights directions
3 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) iii 43 Notice of child protection order Notice of order Obligations of local authority 44 Obligations of local authority Review by children s hearing of certain orders 45 Review by children s hearing where child in place of safety 46 Review by children s hearing where order prevents removal of child Decision of children s hearing 47 Decision of children s hearing Variation or termination of order by sheriff 48 Application for variation or termination 49 Notice of application for variation or termination 50 Children s hearing to provide advice to sheriff in relation to application 51 Determination by sheriff Termination of order 52 Automatic termination of order 53 Power of Principal Reporter to terminate order 54 Termination of order after maximum of 8 working days Other emergency measures 55 Application to justice of the peace 56 Constable s power to remove child to place of safety 57 Sections 55 and 56: regulations Implementation of orders: welfare of child 58 Implementation of orders: welfare of child 59 Offences Offences PART 6 INVESTIGATION AND REFERRAL TO CHILDREN S HEARING Provision of information to Principal Reporter 60 Local authority s duty to provide information to Principal Reporter 61 Constable s duty to provide information to Principal Reporter 62 Provision of information by court 63 Provision of evidence from certain criminal cases 64 Provision of information by other persons 65 Provision of information by constable: child in place of safety Investigation and determination by Principal Reporter 66 Investigation and determination by Principal Reporter 67 Meaning of section 67 ground 68 Determination under section 66: no referral to children s hearing
4 iv Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 69 Determination under section 66: referral to children s hearing 70 Requirement under Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act Case remitted under section 49 of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act Child in place of safety: Principal Reporter s powers PART 7 ATTENDANCE AT CHILDREN S HEARING 73 Child s duty to attend children s hearing 74 Relevant person s duty to attend children s hearing 75 Power to proceed in absence of relevant person 76 Power to exclude relevant person from children s hearing 77 Power to exclude relevant person s representative from children s hearing 78 Rights of certain persons to attend children s hearing PART 8 PRE-HEARING PANEL 79 Referral of certain matters for pre-hearing determination 80 Determination of matter referred under section Determination of claim that person be deemed a relevant person 82 Appointment of safeguarder PART 9 CHILDREN S HEARING Key definitions 83 Meaning of compulsory supervision order 84 Meaning of movement restriction condition 85 Meaning of secure accommodation authorisation 86 Meaning of interim compulsory supervision order 87 Meaning of medical examination order 88 Meaning of warrant to secure attendance Statement of grounds 89 Principal Reporter s duty to prepare statement of grounds Grounds hearing 90 Grounds to be put to child and relevant person 91 Grounds accepted: powers of grounds hearing 92 Powers of grounds hearing on deferral 93 Grounds not accepted: application to sheriff or discharge 94 Child or relevant person unable to understand grounds 95 Child fails to attend grounds hearing Children s hearing to consider need for further interim order 96 Children s hearing to consider need for further interim compulsory supervision order Application of Part where compulsory supervision order in force 97 Application of Part where compulsory supervision order in force
5 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) v PART 10 PROCEEDINGS BEFORE SHERIFF Application for extension or variation of interim compulsory supervision order 98 Application for extension or variation of interim compulsory supervision order 99 Further extension or variation of interim compulsory supervision order Power to make interim compulsory supervision order 100 Sheriff s power to make interim compulsory supervision order Application to establish grounds 101 Hearing of application 102 Jurisdiction and standard of proof: offence ground 103 Child s duty to attend hearing unless excused 104 Child and relevant person: representation at hearing Ground accepted before application determined 105 Application by virtue of section 93: ground accepted before determination 106 Application by virtue of section 94: ground accepted by relevant person before determination Withdrawal of application: termination of orders etc. 107 Withdrawal of application: termination of orders etc. by Principal Reporter Determination of application 108 Determination: ground established 109 Determination: power to make interim compulsory supervision order etc. Review of sheriff s determination 110 Application for review of grounds determination 111 Sheriff: review or dismissal of application 112 Child s duty to attend review hearing unless excused 113 Child and relevant person: representation at review hearing 114 Sheriff s powers on review of grounds determination 115 Recall: power to refer other grounds 116 Recall: powers where no grounds accepted or established 117 New section 67 ground established: sheriff to refer to children s hearing Application of Part where compulsory supervision order in force 118 Application of Part where compulsory supervision order in force PART 11 SUBSEQUENT CHILDREN S HEARINGS 119 Children s hearing following deferral or proceedings under Part Powers of children s hearing on deferral under section 119
6 vi Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) PART 12 CHILDREN S HEARINGS: GENERAL Views of child 121 Confirmation that child given opportunity to express views before hearing Children s advocacy services 122 Children s advocacy services Warrants to secure attendance 123 General power to grant warrant to secure attendance Child s age 124 Requirement to establish child s age Compulsory supervision orders: review 125 Compulsory supervision order: requirement to review Contact orders and permanence orders 126 Review of contact direction Referral where failure to provide education for excluded pupil 127 Referral where failure to provide education for excluded pupil Parenting order 128 Duty to consider applying for parenting order PART 13 REVIEW OF COMPULSORY SUPERVISION ORDER Requirement for review 129 Requirement under Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act Case remitted under section 49 of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act Duty of implementation authority to require review 132 Right of child or relevant person to require review 133 Principal Reporter s duty to initiate review 134 Duty to initiate review if child to be taken out of Scotland 135 Duty to initiate review: secure accommodation authorisation 136 Duty to initiate review where child transferred Functions of Principal Reporter and children s hearing 137 Duty to arrange children s hearing 138 Powers of children s hearing on review 139 Powers of children s hearing on deferral under section Interim variation of compulsory supervision order 141 Preparation of report in circumstances relating to permanence order or adoption Review of relevant person determination 142 Review of determination that person be deemed a relevant person
7 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) vii PART 14 IMPLEMENTATION OF ORDERS Power to transfer child in cases of urgent necessity 143 Transfers in cases of urgent necessity Implementation of compulsory supervision order 144 Implementation of compulsory supervision order: general duties of implementation authority 145 Duty where order requires child to reside in certain place 146 Breach of duties imposed by sections 144 and Application for order 148 Order for enforcement Compulsory supervision orders etc.: further provision 149 Compulsory supervision orders etc.: further provision Movement restriction conditions: regulations etc. 150 Movement restriction conditions: regulations etc. Secure accommodation 151 Implementation of secure accommodation authorisation 152 Secure accommodation: placement in other circumstances 153 Secure accommodation: regulations PART 15 APPEALS Appeal against decision of children s hearing 154 Appeal to sheriff against decision of children s hearing 155 Procedure 156 Determination of appeal 157 Time limit for disposal of appeal against certain decisions Compulsory supervision order: suspension pending appeal 158 Compulsory supervision order: suspension pending appeal Frivolous and vexatious appeals 159 Frivolous and vexatious appeals Other appeals 160 Appeal to sheriff against relevant person determination 161 Appeal to sheriff against decision affecting contact or permanence order 162 Appeal to sheriff against decision to implement secure accommodation authorisation Appeals to sheriff principal and Court of Session 163 Appeals to sheriff principal and Court of Session: children s hearings etc. 164 Appeals to sheriff principal and Court of Session: relevant persons 165 Appeals to sheriff principal and Court of Session: contact and permanence orders
8 viii Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Requirement imposed on local authority: review and appeal 166 Review of requirement imposed on local authority 167 Appeals to sheriff principal: section Enforcement of orders 169 Child absconding from place 170 Child absconding from person 171 Offences related to absconding PART 16 ENFORCEMENT OF ORDERS PART 17 PROCEEDINGS UNDER PART 10: EVIDENCE 172 Use of evidence obtained from prosecutor 173 Cases involving sexual behaviour: evidence 174 Cases involving sexual behaviour: taking of evidence by commissioner 175 Sections 173 and 174: application to sheriff for order as to evidence 176 Amendment of Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 PART 18 MISCELLANEOUS Children s hearings: procedural rules 177 Children s hearings: procedural rules Disclosure of information 178 Children s hearing: disclosure of information 179 Sharing of information: prosecution 180 Sharing of information: panel members Implementation of compulsory supervision orders: annual report 181 Implementation of compulsory supervision orders: annual report 182 Publishing restrictions Publishing restrictions Mutual assistance 183 Mutual assistance 184 Enforcement of obligations on health board under section 183 Proceedings before sheriff under Act 185 Amendment of section 32 of Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 Consent of child to medical examination or treatment 186 Consent of child to medical examination or treatment Rehabilitation of offenders 187 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974: treatment of certain disposals by children s hearings
9 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) ix 188 Criminal record certificates Criminal record certificates Places of safety 189 Places of safety: restrictions on use of police stations Orders made outwith Scotland 190 Effect of orders made outwith Scotland PART 19 LEGAL AID AND ADVICE 191 Legal aid and advice 192 Power to make regulations about contracts for provision of children s legal aid PART 20 GENERAL 193 Formal communications 194 Forms 195 Subordinate legislation 196 Negative procedure 197 Affirmative procedure 198 Super-affirmative procedure Formal communications Forms Subordinate legislation Interpretation 199 Meaning of child 200 Meaning of relevant person 201 Meaning of relevant local authority 202 Interpretation General 203 Consequential amendments and repeals 204 Ancillary provision 205 Transitional provision etc. 206 Short title and commencement Schedule 1 Children s Hearings Scotland Schedule 2 The Children s Panel Schedule 3 The Scottish Children s Reporter Administration Schedule 4 Transfer of staff and property to CHS Schedule 5 Minor and consequential amendments Schedule 6 Repeals
11 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 1 Part 1 The National Convener and Children s Hearings Scotland Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act asp 1 The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 25th November 2010 and received Royal Assent on 6th January 2011 An Act of the Scottish Parliament to restate and amend the law relating to children s hearings; and for connected purposes. PART 1 THE NATIONAL CONVENER AND CHILDREN S HEARINGS SCOTLAND The National Convener and CHS 1 The National Convener (1) There is to be an officer to be known as the National Convener of Children s Hearings Scotland (referred to in this Act as the National Convener ). (2) The Scottish Ministers are to appoint a person as the first National Convener. (3) The Scottish Ministers must take reasonable steps to involve persons who are under 21 years of age in the process for selection of a person for appointment under subsection (2). (4) The period for which the person is appointed is 5 years. (5) The terms and conditions on which the person holds and vacates office are to be determined by the Scottish Ministers. 2 Children s Hearings Scotland There is established a body corporate to be known as Children s Hearings Scotland (referred to in this Act as CHS ). 3 Further provision about National Convener and CHS Schedule 1 makes further provision about the National Convener and CHS.
12 2 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 1 The National Convener and Children s Hearings Scotland The Children s Panel 4 The Children s Panel (1) The National Convener must appoint persons to be members of a panel to be known as the Children s Panel. (2) The National Convener must endeavour to ensure that (a) the number of persons that the National Convener considers appropriate is appointed, and (b) the panel includes persons from all local authority areas. (3) Schedule 2 makes further provision about the Children s Panel. Children s hearings 5 Children s hearing A children s hearing consists of three members of the Children s Panel selected in accordance with section 6 for the purpose of carrying out functions conferred on a children s hearing by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. 6 Selection of members of children s hearing (1) This section applies where a children s hearing requires to be arranged by virtue of, or for the purposes of, this Act or any other enactment. (2) The members of the children s hearing are to be selected by the National Convener. (3) The National Convener must ensure that the children s hearing (a) includes both male and female members of the Children s Panel, and (b) so far as practicable, consists only of members of the Children s Panel who live or work in the area of the local authority which is the relevant local authority for the child to whom the hearing relates. (4) The National Convener may select one of the members of the children s hearing to chair the hearing. 7 Holding of children s hearing The National Convener must ensure that a children s hearing is held for the purpose of carrying out any function conferred on a children s hearing by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. 8 Provision of advice to children s hearing (1) The National Convener may provide advice to children s hearings about any matter arising in connection with the functions conferred on children s hearings by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. (2) The National Convener may in particular provide (a) legal advice, (b) advice about procedural matters, (c) advice about the consequences of decisions of the children s hearing,
13 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 3 Part 1 The National Convener and Children s Hearings Scotland (d) advice about how decisions of children s hearings are implemented. (3) In this section, children s hearing includes pre-hearing panel. 9 Independence of children s hearings Nothing in this Act authorises the National Convener or the Principal Reporter to direct or guide a children s hearing in carrying out the functions conferred on children s hearings by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. Power to change National Convener s functions 10 Power to change National Convener s functions (1) The Scottish Ministers may by order (a) confer additional functions on the National Convener, (b) remove functions from the National Convener, (c) transfer functions from another person to the National Convener, (d) transfer functions from the National Convener to another person, (e) specify the manner in which, or period within which, any function conferred on the National Convener by virtue of this Act is to be carried out. (2) An order under this section is subject to the super-affirmative procedure (other than an order under subsection (1)(e), which is subject to the affirmative procedure). Functions of CHS 11 Provision of assistance to National Convener CHS must (a) assist the National Convener in carrying out the functions conferred on the National Convener by virtue of this Act or any other enactment, (b) facilitate the carrying out of those functions. 12 Independence of National Convener (1) Nothing in this Act authorises CHS or any other person to direct or guide the National Convener in carrying out the functions conferred on the National Convener by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. (2) This section is subject to section 10(1)(e). 13 Directions (1) The Scottish Ministers may give CHS general or specific directions about the carrying out of its functions. (2) CHS must comply with a direction under subsection (1). (3) The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke a direction under subsection (1) by giving a subsequent direction under that subsection.
14 4 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 2 The Principal Reporter and the Scottish Children s Reporter Administration PART 2 THE PRINCIPAL REPORTER AND THE SCOTTISH CHILDREN S REPORTER ADMINISTRATION The Principal Reporter and SCRA 14 The Principal Reporter There continues to be an officer known as the Principal Reporter. 15 The Scottish Children s Reporter Administration There continues to be a body corporate known as the Scottish Children s Reporter Administration (in this Act referred to as SCRA ). 16 Further provision about Principal Reporter and SCRA Schedule 3 makes further provision about the Principal Reporter and SCRA. The Principal Reporter 17 Duty as respects location of children s hearing The Principal Reporter must ensure that, so far as practicable, a children s hearing takes place in the area of the relevant local authority for the child to whom the hearing relates. 18 Power to change Principal Reporter s functions (1) The Scottish Ministers may by order (a) confer additional functions on the Principal Reporter, (b) remove functions from the Principal Reporter, (c) transfer functions from another person to the Principal Reporter, (d) transfer functions from the Principal Reporter to another person, (e) specify the manner in which, or period within which, any function conferred on the Principal Reporter by virtue of this Act or the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c.46) is to be carried out. (2) An order under this section is subject to the super-affirmative procedure (other than an order under subsection (1)(e), which is subject to the affirmative procedure). 19 Rights of audience (1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations (a) empower the Principal Reporter to conduct proceedings which by virtue of this Act require to be conducted before the sheriff or the sheriff principal, (b) prescribe qualifications or experience that must be acquired or training that must be undertaken by the Principal Reporter before conducting such proceedings. (2) References in subsection (1) to the Principal Reporter include references to a person carrying out a function on behalf of the Principal Reporter by virtue of paragraph 10(1) of schedule 3.
15 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 5 Part 3 General considerations Functions of SCRA 20 Assisting Principal Reporter SCRA must (a) assist the Principal Reporter in carrying out the functions conferred on the Principal Reporter by virtue of this Act or any other enactment, and (b) facilitate the carrying out of those functions. 21 Provision of accommodation for children s hearings (1) SCRA must provide suitable accommodation and facilities for children s hearings. (2) Accommodation and facilities must, so far as practicable, be provided in the area of each local authority. (3) Accommodation and facilities must be dissociated from courts exercising criminal jurisdiction and police stations. 22 Independence of Principal Reporter (1) Nothing in this Act authorises SCRA or any other person to direct or guide the Principal Reporter in carrying out the functions conferred on the Principal Reporter by virtue of this Act or any other enactment. (2) This section is subject to section 18(1)(e). 23 Directions (1) The Scottish Ministers may give SCRA general or specific directions about the carrying out of its functions. (2) SCRA must comply with a direction under subsection (1). (3) The Scottish Ministers may vary or revoke a direction under subsection (1) by giving a subsequent direction under that subsection. Transfer of staff, property etc. 24 Transfer of staff, property etc. Schedule 4 makes provision about the transfer of staff, property, rights, liabilities and obligations to CHS. PART 3 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 25 Welfare of the child (1) This section applies where by virtue of this Act a children s hearing, pre-hearing panel or court is coming to a decision about a matter relating to a child. (2) The children s hearing, pre-hearing panel or court is to regard the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child throughout the child s childhood as the paramount consideration.
16 6 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 3 General considerations 26 Decisions inconsistent with section 25 (1) A children s hearing or a court may make a decision that is inconsistent with the requirement imposed by section 25(2) if (a) the children s hearing or court considers that, for the purpose of protecting members of the public from serious harm (whether physical or not), it is necessary that the decision be made, and (b) in coming to the decision, the children s hearing or court complies with subsection (2). (2) The children s hearing or court is to regard the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child throughout the child s childhood as a primary consideration rather than the paramount consideration. 27 Views of the child (1) This section applies where by virtue of this Act a children s hearing or the sheriff is coming to a decision about a matter relating to a child. (2) This section does not apply where the sheriff is deciding whether to make a child protection order in relation to a child. (3) The children s hearing or the sheriff must, so far as practicable and taking account of the age and maturity of the child (a) give the child an opportunity to indicate whether the child wishes to express the child s views, (b) if the child wishes to do so, give the child an opportunity to express them, and (c) have regard to any views expressed by the child. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), a child who is aged 12 or over is presumed to be of sufficient age and maturity to form a view for the purposes of that subsection. (5) In this section coming to a decision about a matter relating to a child, in relation to a children s hearing, includes (a) providing advice by virtue of section 50, (b) preparing a report under section 141(2). 28 Children s hearing: pre-condition for making certain orders and warrants (1) Subsection (2) applies where a children s hearing is (a) considering whether to make a compulsory supervision order, (b) considering whether to vary or continue a compulsory supervision order, (c) considering whether to make an interim compulsory supervision order, (d) considering whether to make an interim variation of a compulsory supervision order, (e) considering whether to make a medical examination order, or (f) considering whether to grant a warrant to secure attendance.
17 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 7 Part 3 General considerations (2) The children s hearing may make, vary or continue the order or interim variation or grant the warrant, only if the children s hearing considers that it would be better for the child if the order, interim variation or warrant were in force than not. 29 Sheriff: pre-condition for making certain orders and warrants (1) Subsection (2) applies where (a) the sheriff is considering making a child assessment order, (b) the sheriff is considering making or varying a child protection order, (c) by virtue of section 156(1)(b) or (2)(b), the sheriff is considering (i) varying or continuing a compulsory supervision order, (ii) making or varying an interim compulsory supervision order or an interim variation of a compulsory supervision order, (iii) varying a medical examination order, or (iv) granting a warrant to secure attendance, (d) the sheriff is otherwise considering (i) making an interim compulsory supervision order or an interim variation of a compulsory supervision order, or (ii) granting a warrant to secure attendance, or (e) the sheriff is considering extending or varying an interim compulsory supervision order under section 98 or 99. (2) The sheriff may make, vary, continue or extend the order or interim variation or grant the warrant, only if the sheriff considers that it would be better for the child if the order, interim variation or warrant were in force than not. 30 Children s hearing: duty to consider appointing safeguarder (1) A children s hearing must consider whether to appoint a person to safeguard the interests of the child to whom the children s hearing relates (a safeguarder ). (2) A children s hearing may appoint a safeguarder at any time when the children s hearing is still deciding matters in relation to the child. (3) A children s hearing must record an appointment made under subsection (2). (4) If a children s hearing appoints a safeguarder, it must give reasons for its decision. (5) Subsection (1) does not apply where a safeguarder has already been appointed. 31 Sheriff: duty to consider appointing safeguarder (1) This section applies where (a) proceedings are being taken before the sheriff under Part 10 or 15 in relation to a child, and (b) a safeguarder has not been appointed for the child in relation to proceedings under those Parts. (2) The sheriff must consider whether to appoint a safeguarder for the child.
18 8 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 4 Safeguarders (3) The sheriff may appoint a safeguarder for the child. (4) A safeguarder appointed under this section is to be treated for the purposes of this Act (other than this section) as having been appointed by a children s hearing by virtue of section 30. (5) An appointment under subsection (3) must be recorded. (6) If the sheriff appoints a safeguarder, the sheriff must give reasons for the decision. PART 4 SAFEGUARDERS 32 The Safeguarders Panel (1) The Scottish Ministers must establish and maintain a panel of persons (to be known as the Safeguarders Panel) from which any appointment under this Act of a safeguarder is to be made. (2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for or in connection with (a) the recruitment and selection of persons who may be appointed as members of the Safeguarders Panel, (b) the appointment and removal of members of the Safeguarders Panel, (c) qualifications to be held by members of the Safeguarders Panel, (d) the training of members and potential members of the Safeguarders Panel, (e) the payment of expenses, fees and allowances by the Scottish Ministers to members and potential members of the Safeguarders Panel, (f) the operation and management of the Safeguarders Panel. (3) For the purpose of complying with the requirements imposed by subsection (1) and regulations under subsection (2), the Scottish Ministers may enter into arrangements (contractual or otherwise) with any person other than CHS or SCRA. 33 Functions of safeguarder (1) A safeguarder appointed in relation to a child by virtue of section 30 must (a) except where subsection (2) applies, on being so appointed, prepare a report setting out anything that, in the opinion of the safeguarder, is relevant to the consideration of the matter before the children s hearing, (b) so far as reasonably practicable, attend the children s hearing, and (c) prepare any report that the safeguarder is required to prepare by a children s hearing. (2) This subsection applies where the children s hearing directs the Principal Reporter under section 93(2)(a) or 94(2)(a) to make an application to the sheriff. 34 Safeguarders: regulations (1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about safeguarders.
19 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 9 Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (2) Regulations under this section may in particular make provision for or in connection with (a) imposing additional requirements on safeguarders, (b) conferring additional powers (including rights of appeal) on safeguarders, (c) the termination of safeguarders appointments. PART 5 CHILD ASSESSMENT AND CHILD PROTECTION ORDERS Child assessment orders 35 Child assessment orders (1) A local authority may apply to the sheriff for a child assessment order in respect of a child. (2) A child assessment order is an order authorising an officer of a local authority or a person authorised by that officer to carry out (subject to section 186) an assessment of (a) the child s health or development, or (b) the way in which the child has been or is being treated or neglected. (3) An order may (a) require any person in a position to do so to produce the child to the officer, (b) for the purpose of carrying out the assessment, authorise the taking of the child to any place and the keeping of the child at that place or any other place for a period specified in the order, (c) where it contains an authorisation of the type mentioned in paragraph (b), include directions about contact between the child and any other person. (4) A child assessment order must specify the period during which it has effect. (5) That period must (a) begin no later than 24 hours after the order is granted, and (b) not exceed 3 days. 36 Consideration by sheriff (1) This section applies where an application for a child assessment order in respect of a child is made by a local authority. (2) The sheriff may make the order if the sheriff is satisfied that (a) the local authority has reasonable cause to suspect (i) that the child has been or is being treated in such a way that the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, or (ii) that the child has been or is being neglected and as a result of the neglect the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm,
20 10 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (b) an assessment of the kind mentioned in section 35(2) is necessary in order to establish whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the child has been or is being so treated or neglected, and (c) it is unlikely that the assessment could be carried out, or carried out satisfactorily, unless the order was made. (3) The sheriff may, instead of making a child assessment order, make a child protection order if the sheriff considers the conditions in section 38(2) are satisfied. Child protection orders 37 Child protection orders (1) A person may apply to the sheriff for a child protection order in respect of a child. (2) A child protection order is an order doing one or more of the following (a) requiring any person in a position to do so to produce the child to a specified person, (b) authorising the removal of the child by the specified person to a place of safety and the keeping of the child in that place, (c) authorising the prevention of the removal of the child from any place where the child is staying (whether or not the child is resident there), (d) authorising the carrying out (subject to section 186) of an assessment of (i) the child s health or development, or (ii) the way in which the child has been or is being treated or neglected. (3) A child protection order may also include any other authorisation or requirement necessary to safeguard or promote the welfare of the child. (4) A child protection order may include an authorisation of the type mentioned in paragraph (d) of subsection (2) only if it also includes an authorisation of a type mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c) of that subsection. (5) An application for a child protection order must (a) identify the applicant, (b) in so far as is practicable, identify the child in respect of whom the order is sought, (c) state the grounds on which the application is made, and (d) be accompanied by supporting evidence, whether documentary or otherwise, sufficient to enable the sheriff to determine the application. (6) In subsection (2), specified means specified in the order. Consideration of application by sheriff 38 Consideration by sheriff: application by local authority only (1) This section applies where an application for a child protection order in respect of a child is made by a local authority. (2) The sheriff may make the order if the sheriff is satisfied that
21 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 11 Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (a) the local authority has reasonable grounds to suspect that (i) the child has been or is being treated in such a way that the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, (ii) the child has been or is being neglected and as a result of the neglect the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, or (iii) the child will be treated or neglected in such a way that is likely to cause significant harm to the child, (b) the local authority is making enquiries to allow it to decide whether to take action to safeguard the welfare of the child, or is causing those enquiries to be made, (c) those enquiries are being frustrated by access to the child being unreasonably denied, and (d) the local authority has reasonable cause to believe that access is required as a matter of urgency. 39 Consideration by sheriff: application by local authority or other person (1) This section applies where an application for a child protection order in respect of a child is made by a local authority or other person. (2) The sheriff may make the order if the sheriff is satisfied that (a) there are reasonable grounds to believe that (i) the child has been or is being treated in such a way that the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, (ii) the child has been or is being neglected and as a result of the neglect the child is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, (iii) the child is likely to suffer significant harm if the child is not removed to and kept in a place of safety, or (iv) the child is likely to suffer significant harm if the child does not remain in the place at which the child is staying (whether or not the child is resident there), and (b) the order is necessary to protect the child from that harm or from further harm. Ancillary measures 40 Information non-disclosure directions (1) This section applies where the sheriff makes a child protection order in respect of a child. (2) The sheriff must consider whether to include an information non-disclosure direction in the order. (3) An information non-disclosure direction is a direction that (a) the location of any place of safety at which the child is being kept, and (b) any other information specified in the direction relating to the child, must not be disclosed (directly or indirectly) to any person or class of person specified in the direction.
22 12 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (4) An information non-disclosure direction ceases to have effect when (a) it is terminated by a children s hearing under section 47(1)(a)(ii) or the sheriff under section 51(5)(b), or (b) the child protection order in which it is included ceases to have effect. 41 Contact directions (1) This section applies where the sheriff makes a child protection order in respect of a child. (2) The sheriff must consider whether to include a contact direction in the order. (3) A contact direction is a direction (a) prohibiting contact between the child and a person mentioned in subsection (4), (b) making contact between the child and such a person subject to any conditions which the sheriff considers appropriate to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child, (c) making such other provision as the sheriff considers appropriate about contact between the child and such a person. (4) The persons are (a) a parent of the child, person with parental responsibilities for the child or other person specified in the direction, (b) a person falling within a class of person specified in the direction. (5) A contact direction ceases to have effect when (a) it is terminated by a children s hearing under section 47(1)(a)(ii) or the sheriff under section 51(5)(b), or (b) the child protection order in which it is included ceases to have effect. 42 Parental responsibilities and rights directions (1) A person applying to the sheriff for a child protection order in respect of a child may, at the same time, apply to the sheriff for a parental responsibilities and rights direction. (2) A parental responsibilities and rights direction is a direction about the fulfilment of parental responsibilities or exercise of parental rights in relation to (a) the treatment of the child arising out of any assessment authorised by the child protection order, or (b) any other matter that the sheriff considers appropriate. (3) A parental responsibilities and rights direction ceases to have effect when (a) it is terminated by a children s hearing under section 47(1)(a)(ii) or the sheriff under section 51(5)(b), or (b) the child protection order in which it is included ceases to have effect.
23 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 13 Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders Notice of order 43 Notice of child protection order (1) As soon as practicable after the making of a child protection order, the applicant must give notice to (a) the person specified in the order under section 37(2)(a) (unless the person is the applicant), (b) the child in respect of whom it is made, (c) each relevant person in relation to the child, (d) the relevant local authority for the child (unless the local authority is the applicant), (e) the Principal Reporter, (f) any other person to whom the applicant is required to give notice under rules of court. (2) Where the Principal Reporter receives notice under subsection (1)(e), the Principal Reporter must give notice of the making of the order to any person (other than a relevant person in relation to the child) who the Principal Reporter considers to have (or to recently have had) a significant involvement in the upbringing of the child. Obligations of local authority 44 Obligations of local authority (1) This section applies where, by virtue of a child protection order, a child is removed to a place of safety provided by a local authority. (2) Subject to the child protection order, the local authority has the same duties towards the child as the local authority would have by virtue of section 17 of the 1995 Act if the child were looked after by the local authority. Review by children s hearing of certain orders 45 Review by children s hearing where child in place of safety (1) This section applies where (a) a child protection order is in force in respect of a child, (b) the child has been taken to a place of safety by virtue of the order, and (c) the Principal Reporter has not received notice under section 49 of an application to the sheriff to terminate or vary the order. (2) The Principal Reporter must arrange a children s hearing. (3) The Principal Reporter must arrange for the children s hearing to take place on the second working day after the day on which the child is taken to the place of safety. 46 Review by children s hearing where order prevents removal of child (1) This section applies where (a) a child protection order is in force in respect of a child,
24 14 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (b) the order authorises the prevention of the removal of the child from a place, and (c) the Principal Reporter has not received notice under section 49 of an application to the sheriff to terminate or vary the order. (2) The Principal Reporter must arrange a children s hearing. (3) The Principal Reporter must arrange for the children s hearing to take place on the second working day after the day on which the child protection order is made. Decision of children s hearing 47 Decision of children s hearing (1) A children s hearing arranged under section 45 or 46 may (a) if it is satisfied that the conditions for making the order are met (i) continue the order, or (ii) continue and vary the order (including by terminating, varying or including an information non-disclosure direction, a contact direction or a parental responsibilities and rights direction), or (b) if it is not satisfied that those conditions are met, terminate the order. (2) In subsection (1), the conditions for making the order are (a) where the order was made under section 38, the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (d) of that section, (b) where the order was made under section 39, the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of that section. Variation or termination of order by sheriff 48 Application for variation or termination (1) An application may be made by any of the following persons to the sheriff to vary a child protection order (a) the child in respect of whom the order is made, (b) a relevant person in relation to the child, (c) a person not falling within paragraph (b) who has (or recently had) a significant involvement in the upbringing of the child, (d) the person who applied for the child protection order, (e) the person specified in the child protection order under section 37(2)(a), (f) the Principal Reporter, (g) any other person prescribed by rules of court. (2) An application may be made by any of the persons mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (g) (other than the Principal Reporter) to the sheriff to terminate a child protection order. (3) An application under this section may be made only (a) before the commencement of a children s hearing arranged under section 45 or 46, or
25 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) 15 Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (b) if the children s hearing arranged under section 45 or 46 continues the child protection order (with or without variation), within 2 working days after the day on which the child protection order is continued. 49 Notice of application for variation or termination A person applying under section 48 for variation or termination must, as soon as practicable after making the application, give notice of it to (a) the person who applied for the child protection order (unless the person is the applicant), (b) the person specified in the child protection order under section 37(2)(a) (unless the person is the applicant), (c) the child (unless the child is the applicant), (d) each relevant person in relation to the child (unless the relevant person is the applicant), (e) the relevant local authority for the child (unless the local authority is the applicant), (f) the Principal Reporter (unless the Principal Reporter is the applicant), and (g) any other person to whom the applicant is required to give notice under rules of court. 50 Children s hearing to provide advice to sheriff in relation to application The Principal Reporter may arrange a children s hearing for the purpose of providing any advice the children s hearing may consider appropriate to assist the sheriff in the determination of an application under section Determination by sheriff (1) This section applies where an application is made under section 48 in relation to a child protection order. (2) The sheriff must, before determining the application, give the following persons an opportunity to make representations (a) the applicant, (b) the child in respect of whom the child protection order is made, (c) each relevant person in relation to the child, (d) any person not falling within paragraph (c) who the sheriff considers to have (or to recently have had) a significant involvement in the upbringing of the child, (e) the applicant for the child protection order, (f) the relevant local authority for the child (if the authority did not apply for the child protection order), (g) the Principal Reporter. (3) The application must be determined within 3 working days after the day on which it is made.
26 16 Children s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (asp 1) Part 5 Child assessment and child protection orders (4) The child protection order ceases to have effect at the end of that period if the application is not determined within that period. (5) The sheriff may (a) terminate the child protection order if the sheriff is not satisfied of (i) where the order was made under section 38, the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) to (d) of that section, or (ii) where the order was made under section 39, the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of that section, (b) vary the child protection order (including by terminating, varying or including an information non-disclosure direction, a contact direction or a parental responsibilities and rights direction), or (c) confirm the child protection order. (6) If the sheriff orders that the child protection order is to be terminated, the order ceases to have effect at the end of the hearing before the sheriff. Termination of order 52 Automatic termination of order (1) This section applies where a child protection order contains an authorisation of the type mentioned in section 37(2)(b). (2) The order ceases to have effect at the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the making of the order if the person specified in the order under section 37(2)(a) has not attempted to implement it within that period. (3) The order ceases to have effect at the end of the period of 6 days beginning with the making of the order if the child to whom the order relates has not been removed to a place of safety within that period. 53 Power of Principal Reporter to terminate order (1) If the Principal Reporter is satisfied that the conditions for the making of a child protection order in respect of a child are no longer satisfied, the Principal Reporter may terminate the order by giving notice to (a) the person specified in the order under section 37(2)(a), or (b) where there is no such person specified, the applicant for the order. (2) If the Principal Reporter is satisfied that the conditions for including a relevant direction in a child protection order in respect of a child are no longer satisfied, the Principal Reporter may vary the child protection order so as to terminate the direction by giving notice to (a) the person specified in the order under section 37(2)(a), or (b) where there is no such person specified, the applicant for the order. (3) A relevant direction is (a) an information non-disclosure direction, (b) a contact direction,
Practice and Procedure in children's hearings. Quick Guide for Children's Panel members
Practice and Procedure in children's hearings Quick Guide for Children's Panel members This is a quick guide about the legal tests and decisions that can be made at children s hearings. It is intended