What you can expect in your hearing

The people at your hearing should speak to you in a way that helps you feel safe, respected and included. They should speak directly to you, listen to your views, and explain things clearly so you can understand what is happening.

We want the language used in hearings to be:

Personal – using words that make sense to you.

Balanced – talking about the good things in your life as well as any challenges.

Kind – using language that does not blame, judge or upset you.

Clear – helping you understand what is being discussed and take part in decisions.

If there are words or phrases you do not understand during your hearing, it is okay to ask someone to explain them. The hearing is about you, and you have the right to understand what is being said and to share your views.

Language Leaders

Many children and young people have said that the language used in the care system can be confusing, and this is something we are working hard to improve.

Groups like the Care Inspectorate and the Hearings System Working Group have shown that clearer language is needed.

Since 2022, CHS has been part of a team called Language Leaders. This group includes young people who have real experience of children’s hearings. They help us learn how to use words that feel more personal, caring, and simple, so everyone in the room can understand what is happening.

To help make this happen, CHS and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA) have created guides for Panel Members and Reporters about using child-friendly language. Young people have also helped create an animation about the words and language they experience in the care system, and why the language used in hearings matters.