What happens at a children's hearing
Here are the answers to some questions you may have about children's hearings.
Why am I here?
A children’s hearing is a meeting when adults are worried about your safety or wellbeing.
Who will be at my hearing?
You’ll meet three volunteers called Panel Members.
Their job is to listen to you and other people involved in your life as well as the professionals and make decisions to keep you safe.
Who's in charge?
One Panel Member is the Chairperson.
They will come to the waiting room before the hearing starts and say hello. In the hearing room they introduce everyone and explain why you’re there.
What are 'the grounds'?
If it’s your first hearing, the Chairperson reads the reasons the meeting has been organised. These reasons are called the grounds.
You’ll be asked if you agree or disagree.
If you don’t agree, it’s okay to just say “No.”
What happens next?
Everyone will talk about what’s going on in your life.
You’ll get a chance to speak.
The Panel Members especially want to hear your views —
