What is a Children’s Hearing?

A Children’s Hearing is a meeting where people come together to make sure an infant, child or young person is:

• safe

• listened to

• cared for

It is different from a court.

In Scotland, this is part of how we protect our infants, children and young people attending hearings. There is a group of three trained volunteers called Panel Members. They meet with the child and the people who care for them and are involved in their lives.

What happens at a hearing?

At a hearing:

• people talk about what is happening in the child’s life

• the child can share their thoughts, feelings, and what matters to them

• the Panel Members listen and decide what help or support the child might need

The most important thing is making the best decision for and with the infant, child or young person - a legally binding decision.

Who might go to a hearing?

A child or young person might go to a hearing if:

• they need care or protection

• they are not able to go to school regularly

• they have been involved in behaviour that could get them into trouble

A hearing is there to help, not to punish.

What does CHS do?

CHS (Children’s Hearings Scotland) is part of the Children’s Hearings System.

CHS:

• recruits and trains the people who volunteer to be Panel Members

• supports Panel Members to make good decisions

• makes sure every hearing is fair and focused on the child

CHS helps make sure children feel safe, respected, and heard.

Why is this system important?

The Children’s Hearings System is important because:

• it puts children first

• it helps children have a voice

• it focuses on care and support, not blame

The Children’s Hearings System is a special way to help children in Scotland who need support in their care and protection.

CHS makes sure the right people are there to listen and make decisions that help children thrive.